The reason why Nuñez's poor performance is not a problem for Slot in Liverpool

Having scored just three goals so far this season, things aren't going the way the Liverpool ace would like. "For me, he has a big impact," said Arne Slot ahead of the Fulham game, defending his forward as expected. However, there are still some big question marks over Liverpool's record signing.

"If you just look at goals, he hasn't scored the amount of goals that he wants to score, or that we want a number nine to score, but he does have an impact on his work rate," continued Slot. "He's part of a team that scores a lot of goals and is winning a lot of them.

However, against Fulham, Liverpool opted for Luis Diaz in the centre and Cody Gakpo on the left. Nunez was left on the bench and his impact from the wing was limited when he came on.

"Of course, as a number nine, you want to score more goals, and that's definitely what he wants as well," Slot said on Friday. "But I don't just judge Mohamed Salah on his goals and Darwin on his goals, I also judge them on their work rate and what they bring to the team. The fans are so supportive of him that maybe he wants it too much."

Núñez's problem is twofold. Firstly, he is not performing at his best and he is a very confident player; when he lacks self-belief, it often shows. But, furthermore, Liverpool showed here how many attacking options they now have.

Diaz impressed in midfield despite the demands being different when Robertson left, and Jota is of course back now, announcing himself with that fine finish in front of The Kop that rescued a point. Alongside Jota, Federico Chiesa also returned to the squad after proving his fitness and willingness to participate.

With so many players to choose from, Slot does not have to choose anyone who is not in good form. Liverpool have plenty of attacking options and only those who are fit and playing well will get chances in the games that matter most.

Beyond the traditional forwards, Dominik Szoboszlai has improved a little in recent games and He played very well against Fulham, and Harvey Elliott was also very accurate when called into action. Suddenly, Liverpool's attacking depth looks considerably healthier.

With Jota available again and Szoboszlai and Elliott looking good (plus, potentially, Chiesa when he makes his own return), Slot has exactly what he wanted in the summer when he put together his squad. The more attacking options, the better, at least for the team. But for Núñez, the challenge of getting minutes when it matters most has increased even further.