Arne Slot admits it's 'too much' for Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz surprise at Liverpool

Arne Slot says the sole responsibility of being Liverpool's out-and-out striker is taking its toll on Darwin Nunez.

Nunez has struggled to hit the heights expected of him since joining the Reds in the summer of 2022 for what remains a club-record fee ($83 million). The Uruguayan also played only a bit-part role under new manager Slot at the start of the season, with Jurgen Klopp's successor preferring Diogo Jota in the central striker role.

But with Jota sidelined Slot gave more opportunities to Nunez. However, Nunez found himself on the bench for the 4-0 Champions League thumping of Bayer Leverkusen with Luis Diaz surprisingly preferred in the No. 9 role.

• Liverpool and Arne Slot get good Mohamed Salah news ahead of Aston Villa fixture

• Alexis Mac Allister hints at new Liverpool transfer target with Instagram remark

While Slot believed in Diaz's abilities to execute in the position, as well as giving Nunez a break, he didn't quite expect a hat-trick from the Colombian "When we had Diogo and Darwin available we played one of those two," Slot said. "Now because Darwin has played a lot, it was too much for him, so we come up with other ideas.

"I liked the last idea with Lucho scoring three goals, it is always interesting to see but Lucho is a good left winger. We have 4 available for 3 positions, so we could think of another idea but if Diogo is back then we have 2 No. 9s. Lucho did really well and even for me, it was a bit of a surprise. I expected him to do good but that he did so well was a surprise."

While Slot was full of praise for Diaz, the Liverpool boss was keen to press that the team's contribution led to his scoring heroics - and insisted had Nunez played he would have had the same chances to score.

He shoots 10 times and scores 3? We all see he has better numbers than last season, I just think the team provides chances for these players. If Jota or Nunez plays they score, Lucho scores left wing and Cody also, so that tells me the team is providing goals for these great players and they all have quality; that is why they play for LFC. That is what I make of it but I cannot compare with last season."

Slot and Liverpool's attentions now turn to Aston Villa. Unai Emery's side has once again performed well this season and Slot will have a tough decision to make over who he starts up front.