Colombian international Luis Diaz is increasingly being used as a centre-forward under Arne Slot.It is a new challenge for him, having played mainly on the left wing and occasionally on the right wing in Klopp’s regime.
With Diogo Jota injured and Darwin Nunez’s development of ball retention up front and passing to make the most of the winger, the 27-year-old left winger is used in the middle.He was remarkable against Tottenham Hotspur, contributing two goals in a huge win.
Liverpool legend and former England defender Phil Thompson, who made a total of 477 appearances for Anfield, compared him to former Brazilian international Roberto Firmino and said he plays a role to make the most of both wingers, the Dutch and Egyptian internationals.
“You do feel like that Diaz has taken over that Bobby Firmino role, playing centrally.”
“That is what I was saying that Cody and Mo come alive when they get him. Now, it was the same with Sadio [Mane] and with Mo [Salah], is that they said he was the glue, Bobby.”
“Now, Luis could be that one and the number of chances that we had in the second half when he was just moving.”
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Rather than sticking up front, the attacker can drop down to midfield or drift to the left or right side, making him difficult for opposing centre-backs to grasp.He also has enough technique to keep the ball in play even when surrounded, and his scoring has improved considerably this season.
A style of play like that of the Colombian forward is a good match for the kind of football that the Dutch coach is aiming for.
Can the player, who is breaking new ground, turn into a Firmino-like figure, as the Liverpool alumni say…?