Darwin Núñez / signs for Liverpool

[Highfather_24]

Ronaldo might not be here and even if should be used sporadically. We need a new striker badly and if Ronnie dies not like it he needs to move on. No time for sentiments in out situation

I think its extremely dangeous to go into a season with just one striker. If Ronaldo stays, we need a new striker, and if he doesnt we might need two(or bring Martial back).

I'd much rather have Ronaldo in the squad than Martial.

 

[Nou_Camp99]

There's no way Nunez comes to us to play second fiddle to Ronaldo even if for just one season. It's simply not going to happen.

 

[Jericholyte2]

There's no way Nunez comes to us to play second fiddle to Ronaldo even if for just one season. It's simply not going to happen.

You telling us that a 22yr old striker would see working with Cristiano Ronaldo for a year, learning from him in training, as a reason to not join us?

 

[Adam-Utd]

I think its extremely dangeous to go into a season with just one striker. If Ronaldo stays, we need a new striker, and if he doesnt we might need two(or bring Martial back).

I'd much rather have Ronaldo in the squad than Martial.

yep ronaldo has already shown this year he’s struggled to play more than 1 game a week and keep up his performances. It’s no coincidence he started off strong, but as the games came thick and fast he tailed off. Maybe he was playing with an injury but he looked so wooden at times.

Now with just 1 game a week he’s looking back to how you expect him to be playing.

With Cavani leaving we either put our hopes on Martial again…. or we buy a new striker.

I’m quite sure Nunez will be happy with rotating with Ronaldo or even playing alongside him at times. 1 year to learn/adjust to the league with less pressure then be the main man the year after.

 

[Bestietom]

I hope we can manage to get him here for next season.

 

[Nickelodeon]

You telling us that a 22yr old striker would see working with Cristiano Ronaldo for a year, learning from him in training, as a reason to not join us?

Not saying that he wouldn’t join because of Ronaldo. But the learning from Ronaldo through training aspect has been wildly misused primarily by pundits and ex-players. There is no evidence that it has helped. The same was said about Cavani in the previous season. Look at where Rashford and Martial are after a couple of seasons worth of “learning”

 

[TwoSheds]

Not saying that he wouldn’t join because of Ronaldo. But the learning from Ronaldo through training aspect has been wildly misused primarily by pundits and ex-players. There is no evidence that it has helped. The same was said about Cavani in the previous season. Look at where Rashford and Martial are after a couple of seasons worth of “learning”

Look at where Elanga is from "learning". Ultimately it's always down to the player what they make of it but it's definitely an opportunity to see first hand how a legend of the game operates.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Not saying that he wouldn’t join because of Ronaldo. But the learning from Ronaldo through training aspect has been wildly misused primarily by pundits and ex-players. There is no evidence that it has helped. The same was said about Cavani in the previous season. Look at where Rashford and Martial are after a couple of seasons worth of “learning”

Yeah I think people overrate this factor. Game time (and learning from good coaches) is much more important for young players than watching / training with greats. I'd rather start for another club rather than be PSGs backup right winger, too.

 

[Adam-Utd]

Yeah I think people overrate this factor. Game time (and learning from good coaches) is much more important for young players than watching / training with greats. I'd rather start for another club rather than be PSGs backup right winger, too.

just being around the club and seeing how he operates can be a big thing. Just recently reece james named him as a player he’d love to play with. ronaldo is an icon for many current players.

Anyway, even if Nunez wasn’t first choice he’d still play a lot of football. we might even play a 442 at times. not to mention all the cups and games ronaldo is unavailable.

 

[Nick.]

The Muppetiers seem to think this could happen. Thank God, I was worried for a bit there.

16/04/2022
What’s happened last meeting is the club gave ten hag their shortlists. And he’s given them his. So now you’ll see changes in priorities and importances. Like with tchouameni he’s a player on both club and coaches list at an attainable price.

Other players are being checked out. Some players will be vetoed. And the lists will change quite a lot over the next few weeks before the top 1-2 targets for each position are finalized.

From what I can gather, Timber + tchouameni + Nunez or? And? nkunku may be top in key areas.

Today
ITK 3 - United have had discussions with Mendes relevant to the future of Ronaldo as well as Darwin Nunez and others Mendes is representing or acting as an intermediary for. It looks as though Ronaldo intends to stay and support the rebuild as of now. Nunez is discussed.

Dr. ITK - United have had positive talks regarding Nunez and are sending word through Mendes back to Benfica to explore the parameters of what it would take for a deal to be made.

 

[VorZakone]

Darwin? Sign him up.

 

[Red_toad]

And what happens when Ronaldo gets injured for a month where we have like 7-8 games?

We play Martial in all of them? Rashford?

You don’t pay in excess of 60 million for a substitute. Wherever he goes next it’ll be a starting roll. So if Ronnie is still here, he won’t be joining.

 

[Highfather_24]

You don’t pay in excess of 60 million for a substitute. Wherever he goes next it’ll be a starting roll. So if Ronnie is still here, he won’t be joining.

The squad doesnt have to be binarily divided into starters and substitutes. Look at City. They probably have 5 top players for 3 positions, each player starting around 35 games in the season.

No reason why Ronnie and Nunez cant fight out over a spot like Grealish and Foden do for example. Anyway Ronaldo cant play twice in a week.

Nunez can be the first choice from his second season.

 

[Red_toad]

The squad doesnt have to be binarily divided into starters and substitutes. Look at City. They probably have 5 top players for 3 positions, each player starting around 35 games in the season.

No reason why Ronnie and Nunez cant fight out over a spot like Grealish and Foden do for example. Anyway Ronaldo cant play twice in a week.

Nunez can be the first choice from his second season.

Yeah ok sure, just clear it with Ronnie that he’s going to be happy being dropped and substituted. As in the real world he doesn’t react very well when he is. Completely irrelevant what city do as they don’t have Ronnie, nor a 60 million plus striker.

 

[Nou_Camp99]

You telling us that a 22yr old striker would see working with Cristiano Ronaldo for a year, learning from him in training, as a reason to not join us?

Yes that's exactly what I'm saying. He's one of the hottest properties among strikers. He's not coming to play second fiddle to Ronaldo. He's also been given a price tag of about 80m Euros.

It ain't happening mate. If Ronaldo leaves then it's a possibility.

 

[FrankDrebin]

He'll have his own award.

 

[sullydnl]

You telling us that a 22yr old striker would see working with Cristiano Ronaldo for a year, learning from him in training, as a reason to not join us?

I imagine he'd think working Ronaldo is fine, as long as Ronaldo doesn't expect to be starting ahead of him. Because if we're spending this much on a striker, it's to be first choice.

Which is where the issue around Ronaldo comes in. If he was happy to be second choice behind our new CF for a year and sit out the biggest games then there'd be no real debate, you keep him because the squad is thin. But the suspicion is that he won't be happy to be relegated to being a squad player behind our new CF.

 

[CM]

Yes that's exactly what I'm saying. He's one of the hottest properties among strikers. He's not coming to play second fiddle to Ronaldo. He's also been given a price tag of about 80m Euros.

It ain't happening mate. If Ronaldo leaves then it's a possibility.

I don't think it would be that prohibitive. Darwin can play off the left as he did at times against Liverpool. Ronaldo is also 37 years old so even if he stays he simply won't be playing every game.

It actually might not be the worst thing in the world for him if he were to move. Spend the first season getting acclimatised with a big name like Ronaldo taking some of the pressure away from him, knowing that he's not a long-term threat due to his age.

 

[Blood Mage]

Seen that he's being linked to Newcastle. How fecking depressing if he goes there, money is just ruining the game. I don't even necessarily want him as I think he would bad for our build-up play, but still.

 

[RkkMan]

Yeah ok sure, just clear it with Ronnie that he’s going to be happy being dropped and substituted. As in the real world he doesn’t react very well when he is. Completely irrelevant what city do as they don’t have Ronnie, nor a 60 million plus striker.

Yes that's exactly what I'm saying. He's one of the hottest properties among strikers. He's not coming to play second fiddle to Ronaldo. He's also been given a price tag of about 80m Euros.

It ain't happening mate. If Ronaldo leaves then it's a possibility.

Every and I mean EVERY reliable journalist close to Utd(that includes Simon Stone) has reported a new ST is a priority for Utd. Even Ralf himself in a press conference said it's "obvious" we need a new young ST
Whatever Ronaldo wants or thinks is irrelevant because we're not ignoring the No9 role this summer and frankly I don't see why he'd have a problem. He simply won't play every game at 37, his contract is up in a year and I fail to see a world where Ten Hag views Martial as a worthy rotational option when he's neither happy at Utd nor a fit for the system due to his laziness.

 

[Rozay]

Haha people still quoting fecking ‘Muppetiers’.

 

[Nou_Camp99]

Every and I mean EVERY reliable journalist close to Utd(that includes Simon Stone) has reported a new ST is a priority for Utd. Even Ralf himself in a press conference said it's "obvious" we need a new young ST
Whatever Ronaldo wants or thinks is irrelevant because we're not ignoring the No9 role this summer and frankly I don't see why he'd have a problem. He simply won't play every game at 37, his contract is up in a year and I fail to see a world where Ten Hag views Martial as a worthy rotational option when he's neither happy at Utd nor a fit for the system due to his laziness.

If Ronaldo leaves we will prioritize a top striker. If he stays I think we will replace Cavani with another short term option.

Ronaldo doesn't do rotation other than the odd game in about 10. It simply won't work.

 

[TenonTen]

A bit on the weaknesses of Darwin Nunez:

He's very promising but there are a few red flags that make you question that price tag.

On paper he looks great with goals against Ajax, Bayern, Barca and Liverpool at 22 and with 32 goals in all competitions; his movement is decent, he's tall, strong and quick.

On taking a closer look, some cracks in the facade appear:

Firstly, a major red flag(especially if you're a high possession club) is his incompetence in possession. The other day I saw an article in the Athletic where Smarterscout rated his Ball Retention Ability a 2 out of 99 when adjusted to Premier League standards. Regardless of these graphs and stats, I'd say that he's pretty suspect in possession.

His passing is not upto the mark for the top clubs who prefer strikers who are good at link up play. Only completes 11.7 passes per 90 in the Portuguese League. Bottom 10% among forwards in top 5 Leagues of Europe. 9 completed passes per 90 min in UCL. Pretty average pass completion percentages everywhere too.

Nunez has a tendency to get caught offside. Despite his game being largely based on running in behind like your Haalands and Vardys, he doesn't always time his runs well. Ofcourse this can improve with age.

The worrying thing is how he'll perform against low block teams. He's brilliant in a pure counter attacking team with his speed, physicality and directness in transition(hence so good for Benfica in CL) but Ten Haag prefers a different style of play.

Along with his technique, his decision making can be sloppy at times. Often releases the ball in the wrong moment especially after decelerating.

Despite being 1.87 m tall and strong, he doesn't use his body well and has weak hold up play. Only wins 1.1 Aerial Duels per 90 min with a Aerial win % of 35.

A lot of it points to the fact that he isn't really a lone striker. His heatmap shows he loves to drift down the left channel and is best used in a strike partnership.

Lastly, since 2017 he has had 3 major knee injuries.


All in all, I think he has quite a few weaknesses and red flags to justify his huge price tag. He's not a very sureshot/guaranteed success at a big club. I think due to the lack of great attacking options in the current market, he's being rated higher than he should be.


We have all seen Darwin's strengths and great qualities but this transfer will still be a massive gamble imo. Personally, I'd rather get Nkunku.

 

[José Mateus]

Smarterscout rated his Ball Retention Ability a 2 out of 99 when adjusted to Premier League standards

What does this even mean?

Judging by the quantity of ex-PT league players top performing in the premier league... I think it's time this type of argument disappears
Some of them are even better performers there (e.g. Raphinha) than here

 

[clonsolar]

It would be nice to see his 'evolution' as a player here.

 

[ForeverRed1]

A bit on the weaknesses of Darwin Nunez:

He's very promising but there are a few red flags that make you question that price tag.

On paper he looks great with goals against Ajax, Bayern, Barca and Liverpool at 22 and with 32 goals in all competitions; his movement is decent, he's tall, strong and quick.

On taking a closer look, some cracks in the facade appear:

Firstly, a major red flag(especially if you're a high possession club) is his incompetence in possession. The other day I saw an article in the Athletic where Smarterscout rated his Ball Retention Ability a 2 out of 99 when adjusted to Premier League standards. Regardless of these graphs and stats, I'd say that he's pretty suspect in possession.

His passing is not upto the mark for the top clubs who prefer strikers who are good at link up play. Only completes 11.7 passes per 90 in the Portuguese League. Bottom 10% among forwards in top 5 Leagues of Europe. 9 completed passes per 90 min in UCL. Pretty average pass completion percentages everywhere too.

Nunez has a tendency to get caught offside. Despite his game being largely based on running in behind like your Haalands and Vardys, he doesn't always time his runs well. Ofcourse this can improve with age.

The worrying thing is how he'll perform against low block teams. He's brilliant in a pure counter attacking team with his speed, physicality and directness in transition(hence so good for Benfica in CL) but Ten Haag prefers a different style of play.

Along with his technique, his decision making can be sloppy at times. Often releases the ball in the wrong moment especially after decelerating.

Despite being 1.87 m tall and strong, he doesn't use his body well and has weak hold up play. Only wins 1.1 Aerial Duels per 90 min with a Aerial win % of 35.

A lot of it points to the fact that he isn't really a lone striker. His heatmap shows he loves to drift down the left channel and is best used in a strike partnership.

Lastly, since 2017 he has had 3 major knee injuries.


All in all, I think he has quite a few weaknesses and red flags to justify his huge price tag. He's not a very sureshot/guaranteed success at a big club. I think due to the lack of great attacking options in the current market, he's being rated higher than he should be.


We have all seen Darwin's strengths and great qualities but this transfer will still be a massive gamble imo. Personally, I'd rather get Nkunku.

These are all things a top coach can get out of him. There’s much room for improvement in him. He’d score some goals I reckon

 

[TenonTen]

What does this even mean?

Judging by the quantity of ex-PT league players top performing in the premier league... I think it's time this type of argument disappears
Some of them are even better performers there (e.g. Raphinha) than here

I'm not sure about this one. Saw an article in the Athletic saying this which is why I wasn't sure.

How would you rate his game on the ball and general hold up and build up play?

 

[Trex]

A bit on the weaknesses of Darwin Nunez:

He's very promising but there are a few red flags that make you question that price tag.

On paper he looks great with goals against Ajax, Bayern, Barca and Liverpool at 22 and with 32 goals in all competitions; his movement is decent, he's tall, strong and quick.

On taking a closer look, some cracks in the facade appear:

Firstly, a major red flag(especially if you're a high possession club) is his incompetence in possession. The other day I saw an article in the Athletic where Smarterscout rated his Ball Retention Ability a 2 out of 99 when adjusted to Premier League standards. Regardless of these graphs and stats, I'd say that he's pretty suspect in possession.

His passing is not upto the mark for the top clubs who prefer strikers who are good at link up play. Only completes 11.7 passes per 90 in the Portuguese League. Bottom 10% among forwards in top 5 Leagues of Europe. 9 completed passes per 90 min in UCL. Pretty average pass completion percentages everywhere too.

Nunez has a tendency to get caught offside. Despite his game being largely based on running in behind like your Haalands and Vardys, he doesn't always time his runs well. Ofcourse this can improve with age.

The worrying thing is how he'll perform against low block teams. He's brilliant in a pure counter attacking team with his speed, physicality and directness in transition(hence so good for Benfica in CL) but Ten Haag prefers a different style of play.

Along with his technique, his decision making can be sloppy at times. Often releases the ball in the wrong moment especially after decelerating.

Despite being 1.87 m tall and strong, he doesn't use his body well and has weak hold up play. Only wins 1.1 Aerial Duels per 90 min with a Aerial win % of 35.

A lot of it points to the fact that he isn't really a lone striker. His heatmap shows he loves to drift down the left channel and is best used in a strike partnership.

Lastly, since 2017 he has had 3 major knee injuries.


All in all, I think he has quite a few weaknesses and red flags to justify his huge price tag. He's not a very sureshot/guaranteed success at a big club. I think due to the lack of great attacking options in the current market, he's being rated higher than he should be.


We have all seen Darwin's strengths and great qualities but this transfer will still be a massive gamble imo. Personally, I'd rather get Nkunku.

Quick question do benfica play on the counter in the Portuguese league.

 

[TenonTen]

Quick question do benfica play on the counter in the Portuguese league.

I mentioned that I was talking about Benfica in the CL.

I guess the real worry is whether he can be effective in a possession side in a top league. Some of his stats in those aspects are worrying to say the least.

 

[didz]

A bit on the weaknesses of Darwin Nunez:

He's very promising but there are a few red flags that make you question that price tag.

On paper he looks great with goals against Ajax, Bayern, Barca and Liverpool at 22 and with 32 goals in all competitions; his movement is decent, he's tall, strong and quick.

On taking a closer look, some cracks in the facade appear:

Firstly, a major red flag(especially if you're a high possession club) is his incompetence in possession. The other day I saw an article in the Athletic where Smarterscout rated his Ball Retention Ability a 2 out of 99 when adjusted to Premier League standards. Regardless of these graphs and stats, I'd say that he's pretty suspect in possession.

His passing is not upto the mark for the top clubs who prefer strikers who are good at link up play. Only completes 11.7 passes per 90 in the Portuguese League. Bottom 10% among forwards in top 5 Leagues of Europe. 9 completed passes per 90 min in UCL. Pretty average pass completion percentages everywhere too.

Nunez has a tendency to get caught offside. Despite his game being largely based on running in behind like your Haalands and Vardys, he doesn't always time his runs well. Ofcourse this can improve with age.

The worrying thing is how he'll perform against low block teams. He's brilliant in a pure counter attacking team with his speed, physicality and directness in transition(hence so good for Benfica in CL) but Ten Haag prefers a different style of play.

Along with his technique, his decision making can be sloppy at times. Often releases the ball in the wrong moment especially after decelerating.

Despite being 1.87 m tall and strong, he doesn't use his body well and has weak hold up play. Only wins 1.1 Aerial Duels per 90 min with a Aerial win % of 35.

A lot of it points to the fact that he isn't really a lone striker. His heatmap shows he loves to drift down the left channel and is best used in a strike partnership.

Lastly, since 2017 he has had 3 major knee injuries.


All in all, I think he has quite a few weaknesses and red flags to justify his huge price tag. He's not a very sureshot/guaranteed success at a big club. I think due to the lack of great attacking options in the current market, he's being rated higher than he should be.


We have all seen Darwin's strengths and great qualities but this transfer will still be a massive gamble imo. Personally, I'd rather get Nkunku.

Nice post and I agree with your penultimate paragraph.

I think Darwin would make more sense if the goal was to replace Rashford than it would be to replace Cavani. If he came here, I really do think he'd end up as yet another left winger.

He wants to be facing goal all the time when what we really need is somebody who can play with their back to goal. We literally don't have anyone in the squad with that kind of profile, and we still wouldn't with Darwin.

 

[José Mateus]

I'm not sure about this one. Saw an article in the Athletic saying this which is why I wasn't sure.

How would you rate his game on the ball and general hold up and build up play?

average

as I've said on this topic previously... he definitely thrives when he has space to run, thus should be more suited to counter-attacking type of play
still, given his physique and finishing capabilities, he is always dangerous

 

[RkkMan]

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[Cassidy]

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Id rather if we signed Nunez that Nunez plays….

 

[amolbhatia50k]

.

average

as I've said on this topic previously... he definitely thrives when he has space to run, thus should be more suited to counter-attacking type of play
still, given his physique and finishing capabilities, he is always dangerous

I'd pass if this is the case.

 

[sullydnl]

The suggestion that he suits a more direct style of play is one red flag and his massive overperformance on his xG is another. You'd be buying him at a price that is based on a season of unsustainable returns.

 

[arthurka]

Id rather if we signed Nunez that Nunez plays….

He will, Ronaldo will have less minutes next season.

 

[Cassidy]

He will, Ronaldo will have less minutes next season.

Lets see what Ronaldo has to say about that

 

[pascell]

The Muppetiers seem to think this could happen. Thank God, I was worried for a bit there.

16/04/2022
What’s happened last meeting is the club gave ten hag their shortlists. And he’s given them his. So now you’ll see changes in priorities and importances. Like with tchouameni he’s a player on both club and coaches list at an attainable price.

Other players are being checked out. Some players will be vetoed. And the lists will change quite a lot over the next few weeks before the top 1-2 targets for each position are finalized.

From what I can gather, Timber + tchouameni + Nunez or? And? nkunku may be top in key areas.

Today
ITK 3 - United have had discussions with Mendes relevant to the future of Ronaldo as well as Darwin Nunez and others Mendes is representing or acting as an intermediary for. It looks as though Ronaldo intends to stay and support the rebuild as of now. Nunez is discussed.

Dr. ITK - United have had positive talks regarding Nunez and are sending word through Mendes back to Benfica to explore the parameters of what it would take for a deal to be made.

Please don't listen to them, nor quote them on here. They know naff all, look back at their hit rates, it's nothing more than scattergun approach. They have endless "ITK" so they can cover each transfer target set out in the press, the ones that aren't signed then they don't get quoted again.

Look at what they say on our next manager situation, they said Poch is nailed on and basically a done deal a month or so ago.

 

[Adam-Utd]

The suggestion that he suits a more direct style of play is one red flag and his massive overperformance on his xG is another. You'd be buying him at a price that is based on a season of unsustainable returns.

Not really. ignore xG and watch football. You can comfortably see he is a big threat every time he plays.

Not being funny but he just played against Liverpool and gave them a very torrid time. How can people still be doubting?

 

[sullydnl]

Not really. ignore xG and watch football. You can comfortably see he is a big threat every time he plays.

Not being funny but he just played against Liverpool and gave them a very torrid time. How can people still be doubting?

Yeah no, let's not do that.

If you watch him play, you'll see exactly what those stats show. That he's overperforming his chances to an unsustainable degree. Because that's how that stat works. No striker on the planet sustains that level of overperformance and if your eye test is telling you he can then there's something fundamentally wrong with your perception of his abilities.

The only question is what he offers when that drop off inevitably occurs and how much he can improve as he develops. Maybe that will be enough for some sides but at the price we'd be paying it's a risk.