Liverpool star Luis Diaz has a critical role to play for Arne Slot, shuffling with Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez. The 27-year-old has played a pivotal role this season but the upcoming fixture congestion involving top opponents demands his contribution.
The Reds’ remarkable start to the season highlights their offensive firepower, winning 15 out of 17 matches across all competitions. Liverpool currently sit atop both the Premier League and Champions League tables while securing a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals so far.
However, with Diogo Jota sidelined due to injury and Federico Chiesa still regaining fitness, the attacking lineup faces ill-timed challenges. Consequently, Slot must utilize Diaz accordingly alongside in-form Gakpo and the only natural number nine option at the moment, Nunez.
The fitness problems remain a persistent issue for Jota, limiting his ability to contribute consistently to the Reds. Since joining Liverpool from Wolves, he has missed 81 games across four seasons due to various injuries.
Despite his elite finishing ability and clutch performances, the 27-year-old’s recurrent setbacks have hampered Liverpool’s forward depth in the attack. With Diaz thriving in multiple roles, Slot can mitigate Jota’s absence during this demanding campaign with endless top opponents.
The hattrick hero against Bayer Leverkusen: Diaz shows his potential as a number nine
Diaz operated as a central forward for the Reds against Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen amid post-October international break congestion. The Colombian international displayed his versatility, playing against Jonathan Tah and two other centre-backs who make a formidable defence.
Alonso’s Leverkusen finished last season as the invincible Bundesliga champions, only losing once in all competitions, the Europa League final. Slot put Diaz instead of target man Nunez to surprise Tah and other centre-backs who easily nullify natural target men.
The 27-year-old scored an emphatic hattrick and created havoc with his movements and link-up plays throughout the game. As Liverpool won the game 4-0, many praised Slot for finding a new number nine while Jota was absent.
The Colombian has made 16 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool, scoring nine goals and providing two assists. Diaz provides something drastically different from Nunez as a number nine which will play a key role as Slot prefers to change tactics according to the opponents.
Colombia’s lone wolf
On the international stage, Díaz has also shone despite Colombia’s recent struggles in the November international break. Colombia recently lost 0-1 to Ecuador at home as the visitors shut down Diaz’s team after scoring an early goal.

According to Sofascore, Díaz delivered 55 touches with a 77% passing accuracy, including one key pass and three accurate long balls. Diaz displayed incredible dribbling skills with four out of five attempts successful and won six out of nine ground duels.
Although Díaz missed one big chance, he took two shots on target and hit the woodwork, remaining Colombia’s standout player. Despite the two losses in the November international break against Uruguay and Ecuador, Colombia are fourth in the World Cup Qualification table.
Gakpo and Nunez: The worthy competition
Gakpo has showcased an incredible level of consistency in performance this year since the March international break. The Dutch international has six goals and two assists from 17 games in all competitions so far this season.
Gakpo thrives on the left wing with his creativity and positional intelligence, making him a strong candidate as a starter. Meanwhile, Nunez continues to make the most of limited opportunities by delivering all-round performances which are also crucial for Liverpool.
The Uruguay international has scored three goals and provided two assists from 14 games in all competitions for the Reds. If Jota remains out for an extended period, Diaz’s influence as the legitimate competition for both Gakpo and Nunez will grow.
Diaz is not a backup to Gakpo or Núñez but a dynamic starter who can determine which of his teammates complements him in attack. At the same time, there are games where Diaz will play an impact role with Gakpo and Nunez starting ahead.
Rest assured, Liverpool have three incredible talents operating alongside legendary forward Mohamed Salah who is also enjoying a sensational season. However, any potential injury crisis is a looming concern that is out of anyone’s control.
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Despite the incredible lethality which Jota provides, his injuries and diminishing all-round contribution are hurting his long-term reliability. Salah, Diaz, Gakpo and Nunez need a more reliable competition but they have to maintain their consistency until then.