‘You notice’: Luis Diaz shares what he’s found most difficult about Klopp’s tactics at Liverpool so far

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Luis Diaz has claimed that being asked to defend in Liverpool’s tactical set-up has taken some getting used to for him.

Speaking to Liverpool’s matchday programme via liverpoolfc.com, the Colombian said that he has found it difficult to adapt to the defensive demands of his role.

“I reckon the thing you can notice and see the most is the intensity of the game here,” said Diaz. “Tactically how we set up and the fact that I also have to defend might well be the most difficult thing so far.”

You wouldn’t have known that Diaz had been struggling with any aspect of Liverpool’s game from watching him play. The forward has slotted in so perfectly in The Reds system that he has had all sorts of plaudits come his way.

Encouragingly though, Liverpool’s number 23 is confident that given enough time, he will soon iron out any slight issues.

“I do have that aspect to my game, though, as I spent time playing at Porto and I think I managed to pick up and learn a lot there. But I will keep on improving here as well, for sure,” he claimed.

In defence of Diaz

Diaz’s defensive ability certainly hasn’t been found wanting in the 17 games he’s played since joining Liverpool in January.

It helps that he’s usually had the endless energy of Andy Robertson bounding up and down behind him. But regardless of that, he hasn’t fallen short on the eye test and looks ever-willing to help out towards his own goal.

Interestingly though, improving Diaz’s defensive positioning is something that Jurgen Klopp has mentioned before.

“The way he [Diaz] has to defend, that’s really important because that’s definitely different to Porto,” Klopp said ahead of February’s game against Leeds United via liverpoolfc.com.

Part of what makes Liverpool’s attackers so good is their willingness to track back and defend. Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino are three of the most hard-working forwards you’re likely to find.

So far Diaz has looked of the same ilk. For him to mention the same area as improvement as his manager though, for all their communication troubles, there must have been some conversations on the training pitch.

Diaz has hit the ground running and given Liverpool’s season a huge shot in the arm. As the games come thick and fast he is just going out and playing his natural game.

With a full pre-season under his belt this summer, it’s scary to think just how good he can become in this team.

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