Michael Owen's prediction about Darwin Nunez proved spot on after the striker scored a 'madness' goal against Brentford during Jurgen Klopp's final season in charge

Michael Owen's prediction about Darwin Nunez proved spot on after the Liverpool striker scored a stunning late goal against Brentford during Jurgen Klopp's final season in charge of the Reds.

Nunez opened the scoring at the Gtech Community Stadium with a superb scooped finish over Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken. Played through one-on-one by Diogo Jota, the striker could have opted for a simple finish but instead attempted a more audacious chip.

Liverpool went on to secure a 4-1 victory, with Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah also finding the net. The match marked Salah's first appearance since returning from injury.

The former Liverpool striker described Nunez's finish as “insane” but questioned why the forward had not opted for a simpler effort. Owen also suggested the Uruguayan needed to change his mindset in front of goal.

Owen wrote on X: “That finish from Darwin Nunez yesterday was insane. I can’t stop watching it. And I can’t begin to explain how difficult a skill that is. Moving at pace, the ball running away from you, being inside the box with no room for error. Incredible.

“BUT, it is also further proof that if he is to get closer to becoming the great player many people think he can be, he has to adapt his way of thinking. I mean, to even consider that finish is madness.

“It’s a one in 10, two in 10 finish at best. Learning to slot, dink or go round the goalkeeper is a far more productive way to score and will increase his chances to four or five in 10, thus massively increasing his end return.

“I’m really not trying to rain on his parade as that goal was pure class. But I’d rather see it when Liverpool are 3-0 up, not at 0-0."

Nunez scored 18 goals in 54 appearances across all competitions during the 2023/24 season. However, his output dropped significantly the following campaign, as he managed just seven goals in 47 appearances in 2024/25.

The striker finished his Liverpool career with 40 goals and 22 assists in 143 appearances across all competitions, helping the club win several trophies during his time at Anfield. However, he struggled to justify the hefty transfer fee that made him the Reds' club-record signing at the time.

Following Liverpool's Premier League title triumph in 2024/25, Nunez joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in a deal reportedly worth $59 million, excluding bonuses, but struggled to make an impact during his first six months at the club.

Nunez was subsequently omitted from Al-Hilal's domestic league squad in February 2026 following Karim Benzema's arrival, with foreign-player registration limits preventing him from being registered for the second half of the season. He remained eligible to feature in the AFC Champions League Elite.

In August 2026, Nunez joined newly promoted Saudi side Al-Diriyah on loan for the 2026/27 season.