Liverpool look set to cruise to the Premier League title this season, but it still hasnt been the easiest of campaigns for Darwin Nunez.
The Uruguayan missed a crucial penalty as the Reds were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain recently, and has scored only seven league goals in 40 appearances this season.
Thats despite the 25-year-old arriving from Benfica for a club record �85m in 2022 since then, hes never been able to truly find consistent form.
Former record signing has his say
Twenty-five years ago, Emile Heskey joined Liverpool for a club record �11m, and sometimes also faced scrutiny over his goal tally during his days at Anfield.
Watching on from afar now, he admits that Nunezs time at the club hasnt totally worked out as intended so far.
It hasnt been the most successful, I think hell be the first one to pick that out, Heskey tells FFT. I think its a huge burden when you come for such a fee and everyone keeps pointing that at you, when you want to just enjoy your football and get playing.
Hes struggled with consistency and thats where you need to play consistently, to get to understand the tempo of this league etc, because its totally different to anywhere else.
Some can adapt quicker, some really struggle. I think hes struggled in that sense and the goals are what everyone looks at. For me hes not a starter, hes more of an impact player, to come on and make an impact late in the second half.
Its difficult because when you come for that sort of money, everyone is looking at you and saying Well, whats going on?
Heskey doesnt question Nunezs desire to succeed at Anfield, but thinks he needs some assistance.
I think theyve got to look at bringing someone in who challenges him and helps him, to take that burden off him a bit and be that main focal point, he said, speaking in association with BetVictor.
Once youre trying too hard, youre slashing at things and youre not as composed as you possibly know you can be.
Theres one thing doing everything in training, but you have to show that in the game. Thats when the pressure comes.
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