Liverpool legend Luis Suarez sends message to former Uruguay team-mate Darwin Nunez after Arne Slot’s criticism of struggling Reds star

Luis Suarez has sent a message to Darwin Nunez following the Liverpool star’s horror miss in front of an open goal against Aston Villa on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old striker faced public criticism from his manager Arne Slot, as the Dutchman questioned the player’s attitude, highlighting that a striker cannot afford to slow down in his output.

‘It is not part of the job of a No 9 to slow down in workrate. And that is something we will talk about,’ said the Liverpool boss after game.

‘It is a chance and not 100 per cent that it goes in. I can accept misses but what is harder for me to accept is his behavior after the chance. It got too much in his head, he was not the usual Darwin who works his ass off and makes sure he helps the team.’

His criticism came after Nunez missed a clear-cut chance with a shot well over the cross bar, following an excellent pass from team-mate Dominik Szoboszlai, in a moment which led to Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Villa Park.

Following the end of the game, Nunez took on to social media to write: ‘I wasn’t the best three weeks ago (when scoring a last-minute winner at Brentford) and I’m not the worst now.

It comes after the 25-year-old striker missed a golden opportunity in front of an open goal against Aston Villa on Wednesday

The Liverpool legend has hailed Nunez’s mentality after the player responded on social media following the game at Villa Park

‘If I fall, I get up. You’ll never see me give up. I’m going to give it my all until the last day I’m here in Liverpool.’

However, Nunez’s former team-mate in the Uruguay national team has responded to his post with a supportive message.

‘Of course GOALSCORER, that’s how I want you! That’s the attitude, always positive. Let’s go up,’ responded the 38-year-old under the Reds’ player post.

It comes after Suarez also wore Liverpool’s shirt between 2011 and 2014.

The Uruguayan icon saw his move to Anfield from Dutch club Ajax in a deal worth £22.7million.

Throughout his remarkable seasons in the red shirt, Suarez scored 82 goals and 31 assists, before transitioning to Barcelona in the summer of 2024.

It was not the first time the El Pistolero had supported the Liverpool striker after he advised the player to show ‘mental strength’ following his ban last year.

The 25-year-old faced a suspension after he could be seen throwing punches towards supporters in some wild scenes during his clash against Colombia in Copa America.

Now, Nunez will face an even more challenging situation in the club, having started only on seven occasions out of 21 matches in the Premier League this season.

Following a 2-2 draw and two points dropped at Villa Park, Liverpool is set for a crucial trip to the Etihad Stadium for a clash against Manchester City this Sunday.