After a whirlwind 48 hours, Luis Diaz made his Liverpool debut yesterday.
The 25-year-old came on alongside the returning Harvey Elliott to rapturous applause from the Anfield crowd.
He only had half an hour to show his new fans what he can do. But he still managed to lay on an impressive assist for Takumi Minamino to score Liverpool’s second goal.
It was Elliott who then stole the show. The 18-year-old smashed home his first Liverpool goal at the Kop end to put the cherry on a good day for The Reds.
Speaking to liverpoolfc.com after the game, Elliott reserved special praise Diaz.
“You saw it against us, you could see that he’s (Diaz) got exceptional talent,” said the youngster.
“I’m sure he’ll show what he’s about. He showed glimpses today. To come on next to him, it’s a proud moment for myself as well because, in my opinion, he’s a world-class player and he’s only going to get better here playing for Liverpool, playing in front of these fans.”
That’s an enticing prospect for Liverpool fans. Although it’s very early days and it was a game against lower league opposition, Diaz’s display gave an early glimpse into his direct running and constant energy.
“I’m sure he’ll go on and show the world what he’s capable of doing,” concluded Elliott.
What else did Elliott say
As well as praising his new teammate and speaking about his delight at scoring for his boyhood club for the first time, Elliott also acknowledged Liverpool’s current strength in depth.
The England under-17 international was seeing plenty of game-time in Jurgen Klopp’s early season starting eleven’s. But he is under no illusion at just how many quality players he is battling with for a place in midfield.
“Obviously it’s still going to take time to get back into the team,” said Elliott.
“You can see, there’s world-class players coming back, in terms of Thiago, there’s players still out with Fabinho and today we saw the likes of Curt (Jones), Hendo, Naby (Keita) as well. There’s always competition throughout the team, so to get in it, it’s not easy.”
He’s absolutely right. With all his options now fit, Jurgen Klopp has a few selection headaches over the coming weeks. But with big games coming and Liverpool playing every three or four days, everyone will get a chance to stake their claim, Elliott included.
He will have enhanced his chances with his goalscoring display yesterday. Klopp clearly rates him and it’s abundantly clear every time he speaks just how much this football club means to him.
It’s great to have you back Harvey!
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