Liverpool recorded a much needed win over Everton on Wednesday as they moved further clear in the Premier League title race.
The Reds were well below their best before the international break and knew they’d be put to the test against the Blues.
Some did not rise to the challenge, with Virgil van Dijk slammed for a poor performance while others toiled as they had against PSG and Newcastle.
But others did turn up and looked better for the two-week break.
One who had received plenty of criticism for his performances against both PSG and Newcastle was Luis Diaz, who had just one goal in 18 Liverpool appearances before Wednesday’s match.
And although Diaz was not able to change that at Anfield, the Colombian did achieve a rare feat which highlighted just how effective he was in the Merseyside Derby.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Luis Diaz answers his critics
After a run of poor form for Liverpool, there have been plenty of suggestions that Diaz will be sold this summer.
The 28-year-old has been waiting on a new contract for a little too long and looks likely to be a candidate to be put up for sale.
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With Federico Chiesa performing well in the Carabao Cup final, plenty of supporters had been hopeful the Italian may come in on the left of the Liverpool attack.
But Slot stuck with Diaz against Everton and as per statistician Michael Reid, the No.7 repaid his head coach by achieving a rare feat.
READ MORE: Arne Slot explains why he felt he had to drop Jarell Quansah for Liverpool’s win over Everton
No player in the game had more touches in the box (8), chances created (6), or dribbles completed (5) than Luis Díaz tonight.
He's only the 4th #LFC player to have all those numbers in a league game on record, along with Luis Suárez (x2), Raheem Sterling, and Mo Salah (x2).
— Michael Reid (@michael_reid11) April 2, 2025
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“No player in the game had more touches in the box (8), chances created (6), or dribbles completed (5) than Luis Diaz tonight,” Reid posted on X.
“He’s only the 4th LFC player to have all those numbers in a league game on record, along with Luis Suarez (x2), Raheem Sterling, and Mo Salah (x2).”
Diaz proves Danny Murphy point
Although Diaz did not get on the scoresheet once again, he did provide a clever assist for Diogo Jota’s winning goal.
And as Reid’s stats show, the Colombia international was also a constant threat, working the Everton defence extra hard all game long.
In doing so, Diaz proved some recent words from former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy to be prophetic.
“I think he’s gone under the radar a little bit with all the plaudits a lot of the players are getting,” Murphy said on Diaz after February’s win over Newcastle. “He’s a got a wonderful work ethic and attitude to the game wherever he’s asked to play.”
As he’s never afraid to show up and try something with the ball, this can lead to Diaz becoming an easy lightning rod for criticism from supporters. But against Everton, he showed his unquestionable commitment to the cause. A good showing which will hopefully lead to more.