Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has made his feelings clear after finally getting the chance to impress.

The 25-year-old recently paid tribute to countryman and Reds legend Luis Suarez following his retirement from international football, having played alongside the 37-year-old at the last two major international tournaments for Uruguay.

Suarez, who is Uruguay's all-time leading scorer with 69 goals in 142 appearances, will make his last appearance for his country in Saturday's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Paraguay at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo - yet Nunez will play no part.

Instead, the former Benfica forward will be stepping up his preparations for Liverpool's return to domestic action next weekend against Nottingham Forest, having earned a five-match ban from international duties following his Copa America exploits.

Nonetheless, he now has the opportunity to finally break into Arne Slot's starting XI on its return to action on September 14, having played second fiddle to Diogo Jota so far this season. The Portuguese has so far been Slot's preferred choice in attack, grabbing one goal and one assist in three games for the Reds.

However, Jota's international commitments with Portugal over the next fortnight presents a major opportunity for Nunez to show his new manager he is worthy of a starting spot for Liverpool's next run of games, having emerged as one of very few first-team stars to remain on Merseyside this international break.

While there have been 18 minute and 14 minute cameos in the last two fixtures against Brentford and Manchester United, respectively, the Uruguayan hasn't been afforded enough opportunity to show what he can do. However, his five-match ban from international fixtures could ironically work well in his - and Slot's favor.

By avoiding traveling thousands of miles over the next two weeks, coupled with the fact Jota is likely to play two games for Portugal, it allows Slot to have at least one of the duo fit and firing for Liverpool's return.

Remaining as the only first-team striker at the AXA Training Center, Nunez use the time wisely to hone his skills in front of goal, understand Slot's system further and show the Dutchman why the club paid $111million (£85m/€100m) for him two years ago.

While Jota offers versatility and a more calm and collected approach in front of goal, Nunez provides dynamism, athleticism and a completely different goal threat that can't be matched by the Portuguese. Nunez has to put his best attributes to use - and there's no better time to do it.