Jackson Martinez has said that he loves watching Luis Diaz play, and he will get even better at Liverpool.
The 35-year-old former Colombian international was speaking to Channel 1 via Marca Colombia as translated by Sport Witness when he mentioned Liverpool’s newest recruit.
“He improved a lot tactically (at Porto) and will continue to do so at Liverpool,” said Martinez.
“He tries so hard, he has the imagination, is a goalscorer and a creator. In the world, he is one of the most enjoyable to watch. He’s going to go much further with the confidence that his coach is giving him.”
That’s a glowing tribute from his countryman, who played at the top level in Europe.
Like Diaz after him, Martinez was a success story of Porto’s scouting system. Having been signed from Chiapas in Mexico for around £7m in 2012, Porto sold him for almost £25m to Atletico Madrid three years later.
Martinez won 40 caps for Colombia, scoring nine times. Although he is still only 35-years-old, his last game for his country game in 2015.
The two never played together, but having followed a similar career path, Matinez’s words carry weight. It also goes to show the regard in which Diaz is held in his homeland.
Can’t get enough of Diaz
Martinez’s words will make absolute sense to anyone who has seen Diaz playing for Liverpool.
There is a feeling that anything can happen when the Colombian has the ball at his feet. His pace is one thing, but his invention and trickery on the ball make him so much fun to watch.
He was a nightmare to defend against for Chelsea during Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.
The 25-year-old’s constant movement and willingness to stand up and go past his marker created so many openings for The Reds.
It looks like a goal may come every time he gets the ball in the final third. It’s a slight surprise that he has only managed one goal in his seven appearances for the club so far. But there are surely many more to come.
Liverpool weren’t exactly short of players that get you off your seat before signing Diaz.
Mohamed Salah is one of, if not the best player in the world at the moment and Diogo Jota is another unpredictable goal-machine.
But adding Diaz looks to have given Jurgen Klopp’s side an extra edge. The manager must be rubbing his hands together at the prospect of Diaz getting even better in a Liverpool shirt.
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