Luis Diaz has praised Mohamed Salah after the Egyptian scored the winner in Liverpool's 1-0 win over Girona
Luis Diaz of Liverpool speaks to the media after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Girona FC and Liverpool FC at Montilivi Stadium
Luis Diaz of Liverpool speaks to the media after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Girona FC and Liverpool FC at Montilivi Stadium
Luis Diaz has hailed Mohamed Salah as ‘extraordinary’ as the Egyptian fired Liverpool to a 1-0 victory over Girona. The 32-year-old netted a second half penalty to maintain the Reds’ 100% winning record in the Champions League league phase.
The strike was Salah’s 50th career goal in the Champions League, while he now has 16 goals and 12 assists from just 22 appearances so far this season. No player in Europe’s top five leagues can better his return of 28 goal contributions.
Salah was gifted the opportunity to score from the spot after Donny van de Beek was adjudged to have fouled Diaz in the box. However, the penalty was only awarded after a VAR review.
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And Diaz was never in doubt that it was the right call to award Liverpool a penalty as he paid tribute to his fellow forward, admitting he considers it a privilege to play alongside Salah at Anfield.
“The penalty was sure that it was because I was trying to hit the goal and I felt when he stepped on me,” Diaz told TNT Sports Mexico. “But obviously I didn’t have in mind who the player was but he stepped on me too hard from my shin, to my ankle.
“My boot came off so I knew that it was a penalty when they went to review it so it was very clear it was going to be a penalty
“It’s crazy, his (Salah) numbers are incredible. He is an extraordinary player. A player who motivates you to play well.
“It’s good that you learn a lot from him because he plays alongside you and it’s a privilege, so I’m also very happy for him because of what he’s achieving.
“This isn’t just from today or yesterday. He has been doing the same thing for many years and several seasons so obviously he is going to continue like this.”