Joe Gomez heaps praise on Liverpool star Luis Diaz, ahead of the FA Cup semi-final
In a conversation with Laurence McKenna in collaboration with SONOS, as quoted by Liverpool Echo, Liverpool star Joe Gomez has revealed that facing Luis Diaz is a nightmare for full-backs.
The Colombian has been an instant success at Liverpool due to his rapid adaptation to Jurgen Klopp’s system. After signing for the Reds in January this year, the 25-year-old has already bagged three goals and one assist in 15 appearances across all competitions.
Even though most players take some time adjusting to a new environment and adapting new tactics, Diaz has made the process look simple and efficient. If anything his arrival has added a new impetus to the Reds’ title charge.
He has impressed some teammates who have been overwhelmed by the Colombian’s skills in training and recent matches. One of them is Gomez.
The Englishman has now revealed that the Colombian star has quickly adapted to Jurgen Klopp’s tactics based on high pressing with a lot of intensity. Gomez has no doubts that Diaz is a top-class player.
“I think he’s a top, top player. One of the biggest things is, as a team, the manager has instilled a philosophy to play with a high intensity and to press well. To come in the way he has, his quality on the ball speaks for itself.”
The Reds player has also suggested that Diaz could be a nightmare for full-backs as he enjoys taking defences on directly. As one of the best young defenders in the Premier League, Gomez is well within his rights to assess Diaz’s abilities.
“He’s so direct, and he’s a nightmare for full-backs; it’s not as common nowadays to have a direct winger that wants to take you on. I know playing full back what it feels like; it’s uncomfortable.”
Why Luis Diaz could be the next big thing?
During his last two-year spell with Porto, Luis Diaz was a star player in the Portuguese league. Even though the league has changed, he remains a supreme performer, which is surprising considering the intensity difference between the two top-tier competitions.
Even though he hasn’t scored many goals, the skills and game awareness he has shown are top-notch. As the Reds’ regular forwards are ageing, the Colombian can be the solution for the team. Considering his current growth, he could become a top Premier League star in the coming years.
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Diaz came on late during Liverpool’s Premier League tie against Manchester City. Playing only 20 minutes, he couldn’t inflict a lot of influence. However, he could get his chance today when the Reds feature in the FA Cup semi-final against Pep Guardiola’s team.
If Joe Gomez’s verdict is true, Diaz could cause problems for the Manchester City full-back. It remains to be seen what Jurgen Klopp has planned.
