Last summer, the Premier League welcomed two rookies with a transfer price of 100 million, Antony to Man United and Darwin Nunez to Liverpool. But the high price does not mean “high quality” because until now, both are considered to be true bombs.
First let’s talk about the new Manchester United rookie. After 14 appearances for the Red Devils on 3 fronts, namely the English Premier League, Europa League and Carabao Cup, the Brazilian midfielder contributed exactly 3 goals, achieving a performance of 0.21 goals/match.
Meanwhile, Darwin Nunez played more, 22 matches in the English Super Cup, Carabao Cup, Champions League and Premier League. The Uruguayan striker has 9 goals and 3 assists. Thus, he contributed 0.55 goals/match.
For offensive rookies, people often bring out goal statistics to evaluate. However, with Nunez or Antony, it is more than that because their transfer value is up to 100 million. The gameplay of these two stars is the topic for people to talk about and label as bombs.
Antony is only left-footed and his special move is the inside cut. But after only a few games, the defenders in England caught this card. Antony gradually proved harmless by not being able to pass or shoot well with his right foot. On the other hand, the Brazilian star also headed quite badly. So despite having good speed and good technique, Antony gradually lost his rhythm in the general play of Man United.
On Nunez’s side, he has good speed, pressure, headers, runs and positions very well but the ending is extremely disappointing. Despite being a rookie of the Premier League, Nunez is one of the strikers who miss the most opportunities. In the context of Liverpool’s attack decline and devastating injury, Nunez’s wooden leg was even more noticeable.
So who has the chance to change for the better or both will go to hell?
It is difficult to answer this question because after all, both Antony and Nunez have a lot of time left. Judging a deal is a splash or not can’t be based on half or a season alone. Maybe in the near future or at the end of the season, they will shine or are likely to continue to disappoint as they are now.
However , Antony is probably more expected for two reasons. Firstly, the person who leads him is Erik ten Hag – a former teacher at Ajax – so he will know how to help Antony play better. Second, Man United is in a stable phase. On the contrary, Liverpool seems to be entering a reconstruction phase with Jurgen Klopp and no one knows how drastically reform will be required. The unstable Kop will be difficult for Darwin Nunez to smoothly develop his talent. The Cody Gakpo deal also shows that Liverpool are losing patience with Nunez.
When it was a blockbuster deal for two teams with the most glorious history in England, Man United and Liverpool, Darwin Nunez and Antony had to accept terrible pressure from public opinion. This is the time when they need to prove their bravery to have a more stable future.
