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Say what you want about Darwin Nunez, but you can’t take your eyes off him. Even when his time at Liverpool seems to be over, he’s still giving Arne Slot plenty to think about.
The striker has looked destined for an exit from Anfield this summer, with his three years on Merseyside not going to plan, especially last season when he could only muster seven goals in 47 appearances.
And with Hugo Ekitike seemingly now on his way to Liverpool, it’s looking increasingly likely that Nunez’s future will lie away from Anfield - although he is making a compelling case for Slot give him another chance.
Ahead of jetting off for their tour of Asia, the Reds have been in action again in a behind-closed-doors game against Championship side Stoke City at the AXA Training Centre.
The hosts showed little mercy to their visitors as they raced into a 4-0 lead at half-time, with Nunez in particular on fire. The Uruguayan scored a hat-trick during the opening 45 minutes, doing himself plenty of favors as a decision awaits over his future.
A move to Napoli, which had been touted for much of the summer, now looks to be off the table, although there are other options for him, with interest from Saudi Arabia once again emerging.
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But with four goals now from his two appearances in pre-season, Slot may well be tempted to keep taking a look at him over the coming weeks, with games against AC Milan and Yokohama F Marinos before the end of the month potentially providing more opportunities.
Nunez has certainly made what looked to be a foregone conclusion over his future a little more complicated now. Having fallen out of favor with Slot at the end of last season, he does seem to be doing all he can to get himself back in the Liverpool boss’ plans.
If he is destined to leave Anfield though, his goals this summer will nevertheless please the Reds’ chiefs, who might be able to get just a bit more money out of a transfer.
Also on the scoresheet in the first half against Stoke was Rio Ngumoha, whose reputation continues to grow after he impressed in the opening friendly against Preston.
The 16-year-old, who looks set to sign a professional contract when he turns 17 next month, will likely get more first-team opportunities during the summer to impress Slot.
Florian Wirtz also made his first appearance for the Reds in the game, having missed the opening friendly last week. Fans may get their first glimpse of him in action next weekend, with Liverpool facing Milan in Hong Kong on July 26.
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