Liverpool winger Luis Diaz ‘an example’ to Colombia says former manager

Add as preferred source on Google

New Liverpool winger Luis Diaz is an ‘example’ to the people of Colombia, according to one former manager. The 25-year-old joined the Reds last week.

Liverpool have added Luis Diaz to their attacking options after a whirlwind deal to end the transfer window. It’s an exciting transfer for the club, with Diaz being a massively exciting talent for FC Porto and Colombia over 2021.

The rise of Diaz has been incredible, in fact. He gained moderate notoriety in Colombia back in 2015 while participating in an indigenous competition for his country. Performances there earned him a move to Atletico Junior who sent him to their ‘farm’ team, Barranquilla FC.

But Diaz suffered from malnutrition, having grown up very poor, prompting Barranquilla to completely change his diet plan. He would quickly improve and find his place in Colombian football, earning a move to Porto in 2019.

His crowning achievement came in the summer as Diaz was named the ‘Revelation of the Copa America’. He’d scored four goals in the tournament – more than anyone but Lionel Messi.

Following that, Diaz exploded for Porto as he scored 14 goals in 18 games. Then, last week, came the move to Liverpool.

Liverpool winger Luis Diaz an ‘example’ to Colombia

Carlos Restrepo, a former coach for Colombia’s Under 17s, now feels the rise of Luis Diaz is an example to everyone in Colombia. Restrepo was the one who gave Diaz his break in international football and is clearly amazed by what he’s seeing.

“We’re facing an example for the youth and the Colombian people,” Restrepo told Caracol.

“Luis Díaz is the case of someone who achieves success in a surprising way, with great will and great attitude.

“‘Lucho’ had difficult moments throughout his journey, but he won and with his arrival at Liverpool, a wonderful event culminates for absolutely everyone.”

It’s hard to argue with it, honestly. Diaz has risen from a poor life with few advantages to the top of football – with a sense that there’s even more to come.