The addition of Luis Diaz to Liverpool matchday squad would undoubtedly be a welcome change of pace for the Reds, who have sorely missed his electrifying pace and dynamism up front.
Although there have been numerous rumours claiming the club may consider a trade deal, using the wideman as leverage to land AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, Calciomercato reports that fans shouldn’t worry about the Colombian’s future at Anfield until he returns from injury (via the Mirror).
The 26-year-future old’s is very much at Liverpool, as evidenced by Jürgen Klopp’s declaration of appreciation for him before a match against Wolves.
“It’s a different situation to last year, he came here after playing all the games for Porto pretty much and now he’s out for an injury for the second time,” the 55-year-old told reporters in the embargoes section of his pre-match press conference.
“I can tell you the two sessions he had with us in Dubai in the training camp it was like ‘oh my God, how good is that?’” Liverpool boss Klopp said.
“Then he was injured again. When he’s back, he’ll be very good and impactful of course, that’s clear.”
“How quick? I don’t know. We have to see, that’s the big challenge in this moment. There’s no time for being patient but you have to be patient.”
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The German’s team will likely have their toughest month of games yet given upcoming matches against Real Madrid.
One has to wonder how the manager would rearrange his forward line for Diaz’s return. Now that Cody Gakpo appears to be settling in under the fabled red shirt of Liverpool.
The idea of using four attackers has previously been discussed. And the acquisition of the Netherlands international in January would make that prospect more likely. Given his skill in playing Bobby Firmino’s usual position for us.
The former PSV player could theoretically play as a sort of No. 10 behind a front-three consisting of the Colombian international, Darwin Nunez, and Mo Salah, which would play to his strengths when rushing into space with the ball and link-up play.
Diogo Jota, the Liverpool No. 9, and possibly Harvey Elliott would be available as reserves, giving Klopp the option to switch up his front line.
Given Diaz’s injury timeline, it’s a situation we’ll have to wait for. But one we’d be eager to see if the appropriate balance can be found.
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