Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni was glowing in his praise of Luis Diaz after the Liverpool winger’s sensational goal for Colombia on Tuesday.
Amid the ongoing speculation around his future at Anfield, Diaz once again starred for his country as he opened the scoring in spectacular fashion during the 1-1 draw in Buenos Aires.
Having picked the ball up just past the halfway line, the 28-year-old made his way down the left before turning inside, skipping past the challenges of the Argentina defenders with ease before cooly slotting the ball past Emi Martinez to give the visitors the lead. Argentina would end up rescuing a draw thanks to Thiago Almada, despite Enzo Fernandez seeing red in the second half, but there was no doubt about who stole the headlines.
Diaz’s goal even had the opposition purring, with Scaloni unable to hide his admiration for the Liverpool star.
"I admire Luis Diaz as a player. I told him something I was thinking at the moment. I congratulate him because he’s a true talent," the Argentine coach said after the game.
Diaz’s goal will no doubt catch plenty of attention, not least in Barcelona as the winger continues to be linked with a move to the Camp Nou.
Liverpool has already turned down an approach from the La Liga champion this summer, although reports in Spain have suggested that won’t deter Barca, with Mundo Deportivo suggesting they’re putting all their focus on Diaz after ruling out a move for Nico Williams.
Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has already added fuel to the flames by admitting to being a big fan of Diaz.
"We like Luis [Diaz], we like [Marcus] Rashford, and we like other players," Deco told Catalan radio station RAC1. "When we go to the market, there are names that we know and that could improve the team."
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And Diaz himself has revealed he has been speaking to other clubs as he weighs up his options, although he remains content at Anfield with just two years remaining on his contract.
"I'm very happy at Liverpool," Diaz said while away on international duty. "They've treated me well since the first day.
"We're talking with other clubs. It's the transfer window, it's normal. If Liverpool renews my contract, or if I have to stay the two years I have left, I'll be happy. It's up to them."
Liverpool.com says: What a goal that is from Diaz - even if it does end up sparking more speculation about an exit from Anfield. If he does end up staying, hopefully we'll see more of that from him next season.