Paul Merson believes Luis Diaz is now a ‘marked man’ at Liverpool. The Colombian hasn’t exactly been around for very long.
Luis Diaz only arrived at Liverpool late in January, starting a mere four games since then. But he’s certainly made an impression in that short space of time.
Diaz has been electric, making the left flank his own and constantly threatening defences with pace and trickery. He’s slotted right in, really, and feels as though he’s been playing in Red for years. It’s not often that someone comes along as such a seamless fit.
But according to Paul Merson, Diaz may not enjoy an easy go of things going forward. He’s now a ‘marked man’ in this Liverpool side and teams will adjust.
“He’s come in and caught everybody on the hop,” Merson told the Daily Star. “Defenders wouldn’t have watched him much or known much about him and he’s taken them by surprise.
“Now all of a sudden he’s on the radar and this is when you’ve got to produce. He’s in opposition team talks now.
“So it’s a different game for him now and this is where we are going to see what he’s made of. The top players carry it on.
“He will be a marked man. I don’t mean in a vicious way but teams will adjust and try to stop him.”
Luis Diaz at Liverpool
Merson is right, to an extent. Diaz has caught many by surprise, particularly with how quickly he’s adapted. But his talent should surprise no one – if that’s catching teams off-guard, they’re simply not doing their homework.
But yes, Diaz can expect closer attention going forward but that’s largely what Liverpool want. Teams can’t put more players around the Colombian without pulling them away from others. Teams can’t overload one flank to stop Mohamed Salah and the other to stop Diaz – that just leaves gaps in the middle.
All is going to plan, then. Liverpool have another forward to strike fear into teams – and that’s exactly how they like it.
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