Liverpool’s signing of Luis Diaz means that they have brilliant strength in depth in attacking areas. Diaz together with Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota make for a terrifying quintet.
From watching Diaz, it’s clear that he likes to operate on the left-hand side cutting in onto his right foot. But The Athletic report that Liverpool believe he could also play as a central striker in the future.
The report claims that this is due to his “effectiveness between transitions in play.”
The fact that he arrives in January could also benefit this. With Salah, Mane, Jota and most notably Mane all fit and settled into Liverpool’s system, it means that he will be afforded time to get to grips with playing across the front line, without the pressure of playing.
Jack of all trades
Jurgen Klopp likes his players, and in particular his forwards, to be versatile. Sadio Mane excelled on the right-wing in his first season at Liverpool. Since Salah’s arrival he has been even more effective from the left and occasionally down the middle.
Salah himself has often operated centrally, while Jota tends to play somewhere between the left and the middle of the attack.
Of course Firmino’s role is relatively rigid. Few players on the planet can do what he does for the team. If he plays, his remit to drop deep and allow the wide-men to run beyond him means that anyone playing on the wings also needs to be comfortable running through on goal.
It’s encouraging that Liverpool have seen traits in Diaz that suggest he can be equally as flexible.
The 25-year-old was recently called a “fantastic player” by Braga manager Carlos Carvalhal via The Daily Mail. 16 goals in all competitions this season show that he has a striker’s instinct.
What does it mean for Mane
The report also says that it “looks like” Liverpool have found their long-term replacement for Mane. But if Diaz is also able to fill a different position in the team, it means that the two can possibly play together.
There is no use having strength in-depth if you then let your best players leave. It will likely take the Colombian some time to adjust to the Premier League, which will mean that Mane will still have a huge role to play in any success Liverpool have.
As there is a four-year gap between the two players, it could be that there is a gradual “passing of the torch”. If Diaz does end up playing through the middle, it will also mean that Liverpool don’t need to look for a new centre-forward.
Five quality players for three places is exactly what Liverpool should have to challenge on all fronts.
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