Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has praised ‘cheeky’ Luis Diaz for his 9-minute cameo against Nottingham Forest today.
Diaz came on for his first Anfield appearance since October 4th last year, with Liverpool 3-2 up at the time. Although he was only on the pitch for a short time, all the usual fire and flair were on show from our flying Colombian.
And asked to comment on Diaz by BBC Sport after the game, Klopp said he was so pleased with what he’d seen.
“Super, a few really nice situations. It’s really tough to come in a game like this. But what a cheeky player he is!” said the boss.
“You saw in these moments where he uses his body but then his skills as well. Really cool. He made a big step again today and for us that’s super important.”
Diaz back doing damage
In a perfect world, Klopp would have perhaps been hoping to give Diaz a bigger role against Forest today. He needs to get his rhythm back. But the way the game went, it was wise to withhold the 26-year-old.
When he did come on though Klopp is right – he was like a breath of fresh air. Constantly able to take the ball under pressure and draw fouls, he helped Liverpool get up the pitch and away from the Forest press.
How Liverpool have missed that over the course of the last six months.
With another game to come on Wednesday, we’ll probably still have to wait a little longer for Diaz to start a match. Certainly, it would be a huge surprise to see him start at the London Stadium in midweek.
As Liverpool reignite their battle for top four though, they could do with having Lucho back up to speed sooner rather than late, though. There’s a big, big game with Tottenham coming next week and perhaps Klopp is slating him to start that one.
If we were betting men though, we’d say the evening kick-off against Fulham on Wednesday May 3rd would be more likely. Either way, it’s just great to see Diaz back out there. No matter how long he’s on the pitch for he’ll find a way to do some damage.