Liverpool had not anticipated making a major signing during the January transfer window but Tottenham’s late interest in Colombia international Luis Diaz, who had been earmarked as a summer target for Jurgen Klopp, forced their hand.
Once news of Tottenham’s bid for the Porto winger had been leaked, Liverpool swooped in, gazumping their “big six” rivals to the highly-rated 25-year-old. It was typical of the club’s approach in the transfer market: identify a player that can improve the first-team squad and then pounce as soon as they become available.
That was the strategy employed for Liverpool’s last major January acquisition. Suffice to say that Virgil Van Dijk proved to be well worth the wait after Southampton had initially played hardball the previous summer.
Partly out of circumstance and partly out of giddy excitement, Klopp has quickly sought to bed Diaz in. On the day that Mo Salah and Sadio Mane went head-to-head in the African Cup of Nations final, Diaz made his debut, playing the final 32 minutes of a 3-1 FA Cup win against Cardiff City. Four days later and he was chucked in for his first start against Leicester, despite Salah’s speedy return from Cameroon.
More on Liverpool FC
“The natural speed of Luis Diaz, especially when Mo is not starting, helps us get some depth in our game,” Klopp explained to BT Sport before the game. “That’s the line-up. I like it! It was not Salah’s choice [not to start], it was my decision, but he understood it 100 per cent.
“He is not here to be a tourist, he will come on definitely. As much as I like the fact he is back, we have to be cautious. Sadio came back last night and is now still in bed! It is an intense time for the boys.”
The beauty of Diaz’s premature arrival is that Mane was able to sleep off his post-Afcon celebrations in Senegal and Klopp could afford to keep an impatient Salah in reserve for the first hour.
Diaz began with an extremely passable impersonation of Mane from his customary left-wing position. A packed Anfield was on its feet in anticipation inside the opening 15 seconds when the new boy bolted after a long ball before having his route to goal blocked by Daniel Amartey.
Quickly, the Diaz vs James Justin individual battle became the most compelling on the pitch; a new signing and a player back after a lengthy injury lay-off were always liable to be eager to impress. Premier League newcomers can take a while to adapt to the frenetic pace and physicality of the league, but Diaz didn’t seem too bothered by it, bouncing into challenges with Justin and buzzing around like an irritated fly attempting to locate an open window to zoom out of.
Diaz started the game on the left, drifted out to the right as the first half progressed and began the second period through the middle; like Jota, who took his league tally to a dozen with two predatory finishes, his ability to play in each of three forward roles is a big asset. The pair linked up midway through the second half, but Diaz lashed a shot wide of the target after being sent scampering by Jota’s pass.
Not long after, he stung the palms of Kasper Schmeichel with a firmly struck volley after a trademark Salah curler had cannoned his way via a weary crossbar. Then came his big moment; Salah’s reverse pass found him inside the box and it looked certain that a debut goal would be forthcoming, only for Schmeichel to narrow his legs just in time to prevent his low shot from squeezing through.
More from Football
10-man Arsenal hold on to secure vital win at Wolves - player ratings, analysis and highlights10 February, 2022
Breaking down David Moyes' defence for picking Kurt Zouma, line by extraordinary line10 February, 2022
Salah back from Afcon and league debut for Diaz - predicted Liverpool line-up against Leicester10 February, 2022With Salah, Mane (both 29-years-old) and Firmino (30) all either in their peak or showing signs of gradual decline, Liverpool are moving swiftly to future-proof their frontline. Snapping up Jota and Diaz, both 25, in the space of three windows looks like excellent business. Jota has outlined his credentials; only Salah has scored more league goals than he has in 2021-22. Diaz’s task is to follow his lead.
Michael Owen: He looks like he suits that red shirt
“We were drooling over him after about 15 minutes,” said Michael Owen on BT Sport. “Don’t get me wrong, he hasn’t done anything where you think ‘wow, he’s created an unbelievable chance’ but I love how sharp he is.
“He looks quick, he looks lively, he presses the ball, he doesn’t mind committing players and running at them and beating them.
“I think he looks like a Liverpool player, he really does look like he’s going to fit into this team like a glove. Brilliant player and like I say already in his short, fleeting appearance so far, he looks like he suits that red shirt.”
Glenn Hoddle parroted Owen’s assessment: “He looks like he’s been a Liverpool player for years and years,” he said on commentary. “He’s not done anything spectacular yet but he looks comfortable.”
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/J9PWlUh
Post a Comment