Liverpool legend John Barnes claimed that Luis Diaz has commonly proved crucial participant to Arne Slot’s group this season, regardless of the goalscoring prowess of Mohamed Salah.
The Colombian has primarily operated from his pure left-wing spot for Liverpool this season, although now and again Slot has most popular utilizing him centrally – most notably to nice impact towards Manchester Metropolis.
However whereas his 9 targets and two assists do not fairly match Salah’s output, Diaz’s smarts haven’t gone unnoticed amongst his left-wing predecessors at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah the higher goalscorer, however Luis Diaz is extra necessary for Liverpool
“He performs within the place I did, however he’s not somebody who’ll go down the road and put in a cross on his left foot for somebody to attain like I did,” Liverpool legend John Barnes informed FFT in November, when talking concerning the significance Diaz has on the group. “If I used to be taking part in immediately, I’d be taking part in on the appropriate, coming in to attain targets, not creating for others, as a result of that’s the best way trendy soccer is.
“Diaz is a really individualistic participant, an excellent dribbler – he doesn’t create quite a bit for others, however he’s not within the group to try this, he’s there to attain targets or come infield and make passes.
“He’s performed higher than I anticipated – it’s onerous coming from Portugal, however he’s been on hearth. The followers love him as a result of he’s fast, skilful and energetic, and he at all times offers 100 per cent out and in of possession. He’s an actual Liverpool sort of participant. Mo Salah will get numerous targets, however generally dips out and in of video games. Diaz has been our most harmful man for the complete 90 minutes, each time I’ve seen him play.”
And Barnes would know, having spent a decade at Liverpool usually upstaging the principle man within the group. Whether or not it was Ian Rush and Kenny Dalglish initially of his Anfield profession or Robbie Fowler in the direction of the top, Barnes’ silky left foot usually proved extra necessary than the targets the aforementioned stars managed – a lot in the identical means, he suggests, Diaz and Salah dovetail at Liverpool now.
Whether or not different Liverpool followers agree with Barnes or not is one other matter, however Diaz’s significance to the Reds can’t be understated.
His depth each on and off the ball is crucial to their attacking output and defensive solidity, whereas consistency has turn out to be a way more distinguished characteristic in Diaz’s sport, too.
