Liverpool’s Champions League final attack is set to include Luis Diaz from the start.
That’s according to The Athletic, who claim that the Colombian will line-up in Paris against Real Madrid.
Joining Diaz in Liverpool’s front-three will be Sadio Mane and the fit again Mohamed Salah.
That means both Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino with have to settle for a place on the bench. Meanwhile Divock Origi looks unlikely to be fit in time to make the squad.
Diaz earns his place
Upon signing for Liverpool, it was thought that Diaz may need time to adjust to the demands of Jurgen Klopp’s team.
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That hasn’t been the case at all. The 25-year-old has been a sensation from his very first second at the club.
His performances have been so good, that it now isn’t a surprise to see him start the biggest games for Liverpool.
It may be harsh on Jota, who has managed 21 goals this season. But Diaz’s arrival has coincided with a sharp downturn in form for the Portuguese. He’ll have to step his game back up to push Diaz next season.
Fitness worries ahead of the final
Thankfully, one area of the pitch that Liverpool look free of any injury issues is up-front.
The midfield may has been somewhat decimated by injuries to Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho. Meanwhile in defence, Virgil Van Dijk has missed the last two games.
There are no such problems in the Liverpool attack though. Salah even managed a goal yesterday to end a drought of seven games for The Reds. Mane scored his 23rd of the season and looks as sharp as ever heading into the final.
Those two goals meant that the Liverpool’s likely trio in Paris have scored 60 between them in red this season. Factor in the 16 that Diaz scored for Porto and it makes that 76 between the three, with 32 from Jota and Firmino on the bench.
Such firepower will be needed as Liverpool look to compensate for injuries to key men elsewhere.