Luis Diaz.
Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
The Colombian forward’s remarkable improvement under Arne Slot’s guidance has been one of Liverpool’s success stories this season, with statistics highlighting a dramatic upturn in his effectiveness in front of goal.
Diaz has already netted nine goals in 20 appearances this season, including five in the Premier League.
His shot conversion rate has seen a dramatic improvement, with 66.67% of his attempts finding the target, placing him in the 89th percentile among Premier League forwards.
Slot’s influence has been particularly evident in Diaz’s positioning.
The manager has implemented a system similar to his Feyenoord setup, with Diaz now operating more centrally as a left-sided number ten
This tactical adjustment has led to more intelligent movement and better scoring positions.
The transformation represents a significant improvement from last season’s return of eight goals in 37 Premier League appearances, suggesting Slot’s tactical innovations are already bearing fruit at Anfield.
What did Luis Diaz say?
Speaking to TNT Sports (as quoted by the Liverpool Echo) after the win at the Montivili Stadium on Wednesday night, the Colombian hailed the ‘extraordinary’ abilities of teammate Mohamed Salah:
“It’s crazy, his (Salah) numbers are incredible. He is an extraordinary player. A player who motivates you to play well,” the 27-year-old explained.
“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.”
He also added that he expects the Egyptian to continue this trend, a hint that FSG would be wise to take note of amid the contract uncertainty:
“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.”
Adding on about the penalty decision, he said:
“The penalty was sure that it was because I was trying to hit the goal and I felt when he stepped on me,” Diaz said.
“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.”
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