Ex-Liverpool star is the PERFECT Darwin Nunez replacement

Cameron Smith

• 24 Dec 2023 10:46 GMT
• 4 min read

Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Saturday was the even affair many had predicted beforehand, but the lack of cutting edge from both sides was slightly surprising.

Mikel Arteta’s side mustered just two shots on target all game, while the hosts managed only three themselves.

Both teams registered less than 1.0 xG, and Liverpool relied on yet another piece of Mohamed Salah magic to secure a point against their biggest title rivals.

For just the third time in 11 Premier League matches, Jurgen Klopp opted to drop Darwin Nunez to the bench, with Dutch international Cody Gakpo replacing him in Liverpool’s starting XI at Anfield.

That decision came in light of the Uruguayan’s recent drought in front of goal. Nunez is currently on a run of 12 games without a goal in all competitions, with his last strike coming against Bournemouth on 1 November.

Gakpo hasn’t fared much better (just two Premier League goals all season) and Liverpool would’ve been left empty-handed against Arsenal if Oleksandr Zinchenko had stopped Salah cutting inside onto his stronger left-foot.

The Reds will likely be right in the title fight until the very end of the campaign, but the lack of a prolific number nine could be an issue at some point, especially if Nunez’s speciality continues to be causing chaos and bringing others into play, rather than scoring himself.

As a result, signing a new striker may be a wise decision and a former Liverpool man would be the perfect player to fill that void.

Dominic Solanke to Liverpool?

Although Dominic Solanke’s Liverpool career never caught alight during his two-year stint at Anfield, he has blossomed into a star at Bournemouth.

After netting six goals in the Premier League last season, Solanke has stepped it up a notch under Andoni Iraola this campaign.

The former Chelsea academy wonderkid has 11 league goals and one assist in 2023-24, and he bagged his first ever top-flight hat-trick in Bournemouth’s dramatic 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

He has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this year and transfer interest is increasing. West Ham have previously expressed their desire to sign Solanke, while Arsenal are reportedly also keen.

It’s unlikely that Solanke will leave Bournemouth mid-season, but a transfer next summer could be on the cards if he continues his incredible form.

Although Liverpool are perhaps unlikely to push to re-sign Solanke after selling him for €21.2 million in 2018, a move to Anfield would be perfect for the Englishman.

As per data analytics SciSports, Liverpool are the club he is best-suited to join if he leaves Bournemouth.

Using SciSports’ Career Advice tool, the Reds rank as the top destination for Solanke and it’s clear to see why: Klopp needs a reliable goal-scorer who excels in all facets of the game and Solanke fits that description perfectly.

Napoli rank as his second best destination - possibly as a Victor Osimhen replacement if the Nigerian leaves in 2024 - while the role as Karim Benzema’s replacement at Real Madrid also rates as a brilliant option.

Barcelona and Newcastle complete the top five, as per SciSports.