Data on Luis Diaz’s start at Liverpool is seriously eye catching – RTK View

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Luis Diaz is enjoying a remarkable start at Liverpool – and the data proves it. The Colombian fits in perfectly at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp described Luis Diaz’s start as ‘crazy’ last month, saying he’s never had a player immediately hit the ground running like this. One month on, that’s still very much the case.

In fact, data shows a player who actually out-performs star-studded teammates already. That’s quite incredible, given he’s stepped into one of the world’s best teams.

Data from Statsbomb on FBref demonstrates just how good Diaz has been in nearly all areas of attack. For starters, consider what Liverpool want from their wingers.

Klopp asks for his wide players to start on the wings but cut inside, becoming the biggest threat at goal. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané do it to perfection, of course, as they attack the box from the wing.

Diaz is currently doing that effortlessly. Over his first 3.9 90s in the Premier League, Diaz leads Liverpool for progressive carries (moving the ball forward at least five yards or into the penalty area) with 9.49 per 90. He’s also leading the Reds for carries into the penalty area – 2.82 times per 90, slightly above Salah on 2.54.

And to highlight just how exciting Diaz is when running with the ball, he leads Liverpool with the number of players dribbled past per 90. He does it 3.08 times per 90, again edging out Salah.

That’s just the best of Diaz when running with the ball, too. There’s a lot more to shout about.

Luis Diaz hits the ground running at Liverpool

Diaz’s passing surprises us. He’s currently fifth at the club for chances created – he sets up a teammate 1.79 times per 90 minutes. Only Trent Alexander-Arnold is completing more passes into the penalty area, too (2.78 times to 2.56).

Defensively, Diaz is giving Liverpool exactly what they want. Only Diogo Jota presses more often in the attacking third and only Joel Matip & James Milner are more successful with their pressing.

Then there’s the big one. After all, Diaz can have lots of nice stats but does it actually lead to anything? The answer is a resounding ‘Yes’. The Colombian is involved in creating more shots per 90 minutes – 6.67. That’s over 1.5 shots more than the next most (Harvey Elliott).

Now, this is all very early days and the sample size remains small. But it shows why Klopp said he’s never seen a start to life quite like this.

Diaz is delivering everything that Liverpool want from a wide player. His running, his passing, his pressing – it’s all at the highest level right now. Of course, there’s a chance that things drop off a bit but the 25-year-old has already shown what he’s capable of.

Diaz is well and truly living up to the hype.