MY ACCOUNT
Liverpool winger Luis Diaz has taken to life in England like a duck to water.
The Colombian has already lifted the Carabao Cup with the Reds and is hungry for more silverware as they chase further glory in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
As the Merseysiders prepare to face Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup quarter-finals tonight, we delve into Diaz’s dazzling start to life at Anfield and assess how he can help inspire his new club to more trophies.
A late bloomer
While he only turned 25 shortly before joining Liverpool in January, Diaz was something of a late bloomer.
He was not picked up by a professional club until Colombian second-tier outfit Barranquilla signed him at the age of 18.
The 33-cap international grew up in the impoverished La Guajira region, which limited his opportunities as a youngster. Like so many local children, Diaz suffered from malnutrition — as a child, he had the nickname ‘fideo’ (Spanish for noodle).
It makes his rise since then all the more impressive.
By 22, the attacker had earned his big move to Europe with Porto, who he helped to the Primeira Liga title in his first campaign. Then, just two-and-a-half years later, he found himself signing for one of the very best teams in the world.
Entertainment value
As a supporter, there are few things more exhilarating than watching a player who gets you on the edge of your seat every time they touch the ball.
Diaz most certainly ticks that box. From his swashbuckling runs to endearingly confident no-look passes and shots, his game is that of someone who was born to entertain.
Even before Diaz’s arrival, Liverpool had one of the most exciting forward lines in the Premier League. Now, though, there is arguably no contest.
Making his mark
Diaz has made 11 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool so far — and has consistently made his mark in those matches.
So often taking the game by the scruff of the neck, he has attempted 4.69 take-ons per 90 minutes — the most of any Liverpool player since he signed — and completed an impressive 2.68 per 90.
The Barrancas native’s heavy attacking involvement is further underlined by the fact he has averaged 3.76 shots per 90 during that period, which is more than any of his team-mates apart from Mohamed Salah.
Diaz has adapted brilliantly to Jurgen Klopp’s gegenpress-driven ‘heavy metal football’, too.
He has won possession in the final third at a squad-high rate of 1.74 times per 90 since arriving at Anfield.
Commitment
Thrilling the fans with your fancy footwork is one sure-fire way to win them over fast — but showing that you are absolutely committed to the cause is another.
And Diaz could hardly have proved his commitment to the Reds more clearly than with his goal at Brighton last Saturday.
With Seagulls stopper Robert Sanchez charging off his line, Diaz put his head in where it hurts to give the visitors the lead — and took a firm clattering for his troubles.
Liverpool have got themselves an elite individual operator but also, crucially, a dedicated team player.
The best is yet to come
Speaking after that 2-0 win at Brighton, Klopp praised Diaz’s bravery — and hinted that the best is yet to come from the Reds’ latest acquisition.
He said: “As a player, when we were looking at him [Diaz], the way he played [at Porto] is exactly the way we wanted him to play here.
“He has speed. He can carry the ball; his dribbling is good. We have not seen the full range of his shooting skills.”
Diaz looks borderline unstoppable as it is, so the thought of how devastating he could be when he truly finds his shooting boots is both tantalising and terrifying in equal measure.
