Darwin Núñez’s struggles were noticeable, but it was the substitution Arne Slot chose not to make that truly highlighted Liverpool’s deeper issues.

Liverpool’s recent draw against Aston Villa highlighted multiple concerns, with Darwin Núñez struggling to make an impact off the bench. However, the bigger issue for manager Arne Slot was something less obvious yet equally troubling.

 

Núñez had a golden opportunity to secure victory for Liverpool, but his inability to capitalize on key moments has become a recurring theme. While Diogo Jota also missed a clear chance earlier in the match, Núñez’s struggles have placed him at the center of fan frustration. Slot now faces a dilemma—Núñez has not proven to be a reliable game-changer, and despite Cody Gakpo’s return, the lack of dependable attacking alternatives is concerning.

 

This situation raises questions about Liverpool’s recent recruitment strategies. The club refrained from making attacking reinforcements during the January transfer window, a decision that might come back to haunt them. The absence of fresh attacking options was evident against Aston Villa, and Slot’s lack of trust in his current backup attackers is becoming increasingly apparent.

 

Federico Chiesa’s role is particularly puzzling. Signed in the summer, the Italian was expected to provide attacking depth but has rarely been given opportunities. He remained on the bench for most of the game against Aston Villa, and when finally introduced, he was given just a few minutes to make an impact—far from enough time to influence the match meaningfully.

 

Liverpool anticipated that Chiesa would need time to adjust to the Premier League, given his injury history and limited preseason preparation. However, by February, he was expected to be a viable option for Slot, yet he remains on the fringes. This raises concerns about whether he was the right signing, especially when Liverpool needed players who could make an immediate impact.

 

While there is still hope that Chiesa will come good in the long run, the club must rethink its transfer strategy moving forward. Instead of taking calculated risks on players who require extended adaptation periods, Liverpool must prioritize signings who can contribute right away. With the title race heating up, the team’s reliance on an aging core without fresh attacking reinforcements could prove costly.