Michael Owen has advised Darwin Nunez to remain patient as he waits for his opportunities under Liverpool’s new head coach, Arne Slot.
The former Reds striker shared his insights on the struggling forward, who has yet to make a start this season under the new manager.
Nunez, who was given extended leave due to his participation in the Copa America, now finds himself behind Diogo Jota in the team’s pecking order.
Despite being an £85m signing two years ago, Nunez has not yet secured a regular starting spot under Slot.
“With Arne Slot coming in, he has to pick three players out of five for his attacking positions so whoever doesn’t play is going to feel downhearted,” Owen said.
“You could say that Darwin Nunez isn’t in his starting XI plans but anything can happen with injuries and suspensions during the season.
“You do need a lot of players and Liverpool will be keen not to have any discontent in the ranks, of course, because it’s been a good start to the season.
“People can jump to quick conclusions when new managers come in and all of a sudden think that you won’t ever be staying games.
“I suppose Nunez is of an age where he won’t be wanting to spend loads of time on the bench as well.
“So I think it’s one to watch really.
“But it’s not like Jurgen Klopp played him every week.
“He was on the bench a little bit as well prior to this.
“So I’m sure he’s feeling a little bit anxious, but I don’t think he needs to just yet.
“He needs to see how the first few months play out.”
Owen also believes that Slot has the potential to lead Liverpool into a Premier League title challenge this season, despite concerns about a possible drop-off following Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
He added: “Liverpool can absolutely challenge Arsenal and Manchester City this season but we can’t get carried away just yet.
“I think the greatest compliment comes when you look at Sir Alex Ferguson finishing at Manchester United after all those years, or Arsene Wenger at Arsenal after all those years, you thought to yourself, how are those clubs going to continue with someone totally different?
“History would say that Liverpool could’ve really struggled and although it’s only early days, Arne Slot has come in and been quietly going about his business, doing the right things and has Liverpool playing really well.
“There’s no huge changes at all really to the team, no big players that have left and there’s nobody huge that’s come in.
“So it’s almost felt like a bit of a seamless transition so far.
“Of course there will be bigger tests ahead, but I think Liverpool fans will be absolutely delighted that there has been no major problems or anything else like that.
“It’s almost business as usual, which is probably the biggest compliment you could give to the new manager.”
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