Arne Slot says Darwin Nunez has played two games for him at Liverpool which were not good enough

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Whether Liverpool need to get themselves a new striker is starting to dominate talk on Merseyside heading into January.

The Reds are currently looking good to challenge for some big trophies this season and their attack has been a major reason for that.

However, there are growing question marks over whether Darwin Nunez is the right man to continue leading the line.

Nunez has come in for criticism this week after two poor displays against Newcastle and then Girona.

The Uruguayan has scored only three times under Arne Slot and although the Liverpool head coach has publicly backed Darwin, questions keep coming about his No.9.

And speaking to reporters on Friday, Slot did admit that there have been two Liverpool games this season where he has been disappointed by Nunez.

Arne Slot admits to Darwin Nunez disappointment

Until Nunez turns a corner with his form, Slot is going to keep being asked about him.

With Diogo Jota back available to play, though, the chances for the 25-year-old will now surely become fewer.

It has not all been bad with Nunez, it must be said. The former Benfica hit-man has always earned praise for his work rate and attitude, something Slot was keen to emphasise on Friday.

“I made it clear to him that he’s not only judged on the goals he scores, he’s also judged on the team performance,” said the Dutchman. “He adds something to the team performance with his work rate and how much he does for us, winning the ball back high up the pitch.”

READ MORE: Darwin Nunez sends cryptic social media message after being substituted against Girona

However, Slot did admit that there have been two occasions in which he has been left disappointed by Nunez’s application: the pre-season friendly with Las Palmas at Anfield and the last portion of his performance at Girona on Tuesday.

“What should always be there is work rate and I think that’s what he had apart from two games,” said the 46-year-old.

“I said this to him yesterday, the first game against Las Palmas and then the last half hour against Girona wasn’t of the standards he should have and that had a lot to do with him being disappointed after missing a few chances.”

Liverpool looking at Joao Pedro?

With Nunez’s poor form seemingly not going away, Liverpool have started to be linked with potential replacements.

The latest rumour doing the rounds is that Liverpool are keen on Brighton’s Joao Pedro.

The 23-year-old has been in excellent form for Brighton ever since the start of last season and it seems probable that Liverpool are watching Pedro.

This could spell danger for Nunez, who feels to have his future at Anfield slipping away despite his hard work.

There is still a good chance to turn things around and there are parts of Darwin’s game which Slot clearly likes. But if he adds even one more game to this list, then it could be curtains.