Paul Merson believes that one Liverpool player has been on the receiving end of some ‘harsh’ treatment in recent days.If one moment epitomised the frustration of the Reds’ 2-2 draw at Aston Villa last week, it was the glaring second-half miss from Darwin Nunez, who cut a forlorn figure after the final whistle.While Arne Slot absolved the Uruguayan for that particular moment, the LFC boss was less impressed with what he felt was a subpar work-rate from the 25-year-old, an accusation which can’t often be levelled at him.Merson calls out ‘harsh’ treatment of NunezLiverpool’s number 9 was an unused substitute in the 2-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday, seemingly paying the price for the events at Villa Park four days previously, although Merson stuck up for the ex-Benfica marksman.In previewing the Reds’ midweek clash against Newcastle in his Premier League predictions column for Sportskeeda, the pundit wrote: “Darwin Nunez did not start either and, if I’m being honest, I thought the stick he received the other day was a bit harsh. It wasn’t much of a sitter like many people said. “Let’s not forget that he scored the important winning goal against Brentford a few weeks ago. That was an invaluable contribution.”(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Nunez has his moments, but needs to produce more consistentlyWith so many pundits in this country all too quick to castigate Nunez whenever he fluffs a chance, it’s refreshing to hear Merson fighting the Liverpool striker’s corner.In truth the 25-year-old should’ve scored that chance against Villa last week, and an uncharacteristic lack of work-rate is something that Slot simply won’t tolerate, as Trent Alexander-Arnold discovered towards the end of the win over Man City.However, the travelling Reds made it clear after the match at the Etihad Stadium that they have the Uruguayan’s back; and although a return of just six goals in 35 games this season is paltry for a player who cost an initial £64m in 2022, you’d never back against him coming up clutch in LFC’s hour of need.The Brentford game that Merson referenced is a prime example, as was his late double away to Newcastle 18 months ago which turned a 1-0 defeat into a 2-1 victory. There was also the stoppage time winner at Nottingham Forest this week last year, so Nunez has a knack for picking his moments to shine.What we’d all love to see is our number 9 producing a more consistent output and becoming a striker on whom we can always rely, rather than having his Liverpool career defined by sporadic (albeit heroic) staging posts.The post “Let’s not forget…” – Paul Merson calls out ‘harsh’ treatment of ‘invaluable’ Liverpool player appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.