"Why is he starting ffs", "He can't do a thing right" - Fans react to Liverpool star's inclusion in XI for Girona UCL clash

Fans were left surprised by Darwin Nunez's inclusion in Liverpool's starting lineup for their UEFA Champions League clash against Girona. The Uruguayan forward was deemed by many to be a liability.

Nunez was signed from Benfica in the summer of 2022 for an initial fee of £64 million, which could eventually rise to £85 million with add-ons. Despite commanding such a sizable fee, he is yet to deliver consistent performances for the Reds.

Although Nunez has shown flashes of brilliance, he has made some high-profile errors, which have led to growing annoyance among Liverpool supporters. Overall, he has 36 goals and 19 assists in 114 appearances for the Reds.

Despite Cody Gakpo's good form of late, Arne Slot decided to go with Nunez for the clash against Girona. Exasperated fans took to social media (X) to vent their frustrations. @warrior9897 wrote:

"Why is Nunez starting ffs... Glad to see Alisson back tho."

@Kaijo_v wrote:

"Nunez….. WHY! I cant stand him, he can't do a thing right. CANT pass CANT dribble."

Here is a selection of fan reactions (via X):

"Darwin Nunez please prove us wrong and score goalsssss," @yelezuru77 wrote.

"Nunez doesn’t deserve a start," @FPLDeuce claimed.

@Dalah5511 put it bluntly, "Apart from Nunez, I like it."

"Nunez starts, Advantage Girona," @Maffyew23 sarcastically claimed.

"Nunez is great disappointment here," @itsjc_39 wrote.

"The head aches I get with watching Nunez and Diaz start is unmatched," @bahsaul661 claimed.

"We need Nunez goals and (let him) build confidence," @stephenok10 asserted.

"I love playing with him" - Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah on under-fire forward Darwin Nunez

Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah has claimed that he loves playing alongside under-fire attacker Darwin Nunez. Amid widespread criticism for the Uruguayan's sub-par performances, the Egyptian winger spoke out in his defense, calling him a player with "different skills".

Akin to the past few seasons, Salah has been the focal point in attack for the Reds in the 2024-25 campaign. He has 15 goals and 12 assists in just 21 games across all competitions, which has powered his side to the top of the Premier League and Champions League standings.

Nunez, meanwhile, has struggled for regular game-time and consistent form since his arrival in the summer of 2022. He has bagged just three goals and two assists in 18 games this season.

Despite his struggles, Salah defended the 25-year-old forward in a recent interview. Youtuber Bahaa Elattar asked the 32-year-old who his favourite player is to play alongside, to which he replied:

"It was (Roberto) Firmino, but now I feel it's Nunez. Many people don't like him, but I love playing with him. He's a player with different skills; not everyone will understand his football."

Nunez and Salah will be seen in action in Liverpool's upcoming UCL fixture against Girona at the Estadi Montilivi on December 10.