“What a player”: Klopp lauds goal-scoring hero for his game-changing impact vs Villarreal

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp lauded Luis Diaz for his impressive performance in the Champions League semi-finals second leg

While speaking in a post-match press conference as quoted by ESPN and Liverpool Echo, Jurgen Klopp delivered his verdict on the crucial performance of Liverpool forward Luis Diaz after the Champions League semi-final win over Villarreal.

Liverpool secured a 5-2 aggregate victory over Villarreal in the Champions League semi-final, resulting in a UCL final spot. However, the story wasn’t as simple as the scoreline suggests. Jurgen Klopp’s men fell prey to the Yellow Submarines’ attacks, giving away two early goals in the first half of the second leg. 

Klopp made some changes at halftime, including bringing on Luis Diaz in place of Diogo Jota. His tactics worked as the Reds took control of the game in the second 45. The Colombian forward bagged a goal that helped the Reds secure a massive victory over Unai Emery’s men. 

But it was Diaz’s speed and close control that really pushed Villarreal’s right flank on the defensive and gave Liverpool the onus to score in Spain. After the match, Jurgen Klopp praised the Colombian striker for his massive involvement in the game that eventually helped Liverpool make a comeback in the second half.           

“Obviously, Luis, what a player he is, but it’s not about who came on; it was about how we started to play. Luis had a massive impact on the game.” 

Is Luis Diaz the best signing this season? 

Díaz has performed exceptionally well after coming onto the Liverpool side. His eye-catching skills and effective output has made the task much easier for Jurgen Klopp. He has scored five goals and assisted three more in 21 appearances

Diaz already had a successful start to his Liverpool journey. During his stay at Porto, his performances reflected that the 25-year-old has hunger and determination in him. But whether he maintains his consistency is a big question. 

Díaz will play his first Champions League final, where he will have a great chance to raise his stature by giving a quality performance. Had it not been for him, it is hard to think that this LFC side would still be in for the quadruple.

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The depth he has provided is incredible and he has made the left flank his own. This has also permitted Klopp to use Sadio Mane as a centre-forward in Roberto Firmino’s absence. The likes of Dejan Kulusevski and Cristiano Ronaldo have been good.

But neither of those players can boast of making three cup finals with their clubs. Diaz’s impact is there for all to see and some would argue that he is as irreplaceable in our starting XI as Mohamed Salah now.