Luis Diaz's missed chances shouldn't detract from what he offers Liverpool

Luis Diaz has replaced Darwin Nunez over recent weeks as the enigma in Liverpool's forward line.

The Colombia international has had to step up in the absence of so many senior attackers, with Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah and Darwin all missing for the Reds.

As the senior attacker in the team, the pressure has been on him to shoulder a lot of the offensive burden. It is an unfamiliar role for the Liverpool No. 7.

He's never been a stone-cold killer in the penalty area. He did had a really hot streak for Porto prior to his move to Anfield but with the exception of that, he was always an average goal threat who was much more of an outlet than he was a goalscorer.

Yet that didn't deter him from looking to level up when the Reds needed him. Named in a front three alongside Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliott against Luton Town, Diaz had a total of ten shots in the eventual 4-1 win. He missed some sitters but chipped in with the fourth, it was a goal his performance deserved.

His goal against Sparta Prague in mid-week took his tally to 11 for the season across all competitions.

Diaz was in decent form then heading into the game against Manchester City at Anfield. He was named on the left of a front three with Darwin leading the line and Elliott on the right.

His performance against the champions, however, was divisive. Some felt as though he put in a Player of the Match performance, others thought his wastefulness in the penalty area ultimately cost Liverpool all three points.

What isn't up for debate however, is the fact the 27-year-old terrorised Pep Guardiola’s men on Sunday afternoon.

Gary Neville commented on it during the game, saying: “He still plays like an eight or nine year old kid. Just those three moments. He deserved a goal for his effort and endeavour.”

And Diaz did play like someone without any fear. It felt like a throwback performance to when he was first signed during the 2021/22 quadruple chase. He was an outlet. A stress reliever. Someone who could get Liverpool deep into enemy territory.

He would commit players, create space and retain possession.

He did just that against the 2022/23 treble winners at Anfield. The former Porto man completed the most dribbles (four) and attempted a total of six in what was a whirlwind display.

With just 10 minutes of normal time remaining, Diaz picked the ball up in his own defensive third and just attacked the space. Rodri and Kyle Walker, as a collective, couldn't even stop him. The mazy dribble down the Liverpool left ended with Rodri on his knees and Walker facing the wrong way as Diaz's attempted cross hit the City right-back and went out for a corner.

That phase of play alone justified Klopp's decision to keep him on the pitch when others would've looked to replace him. It perfectly encapsulated Diaz.

He's a street footballer. That is what he's good at. In those moments, he excels. In those scenarios, he's a one-man wrecking ball. Relentless and unstoppable when in possession.

Diaz finished the game with an 89% pass success rate. He was involved in 17 duels, highlighting his robustness, while also creating three chances for the Reds.

His misses are what most will remember from this match though.

Per FotMob, he had an Expected Goals total from this match of 0.58 having had two chances. He failed to hit the target with either of his efforts. The first was after he had cut inside from the left and rifled a right-footed effort goalwards. It narrowly missed the bottom corner.

The second opportunity was the big one though. It was given an Expected Goals total of 0.44. Mohamed Salah played a brilliantly weighted pass into the feet of the Colombian and he raced clear. Walker was closing in but he had enough time to set himself and pick his spot, only for his effort to fly harmlessly wide after he got it all wrong. With a bit more composure there, Liverpool take the lead with momentum on their side and 30 minutes left to play.

This game showcased the duality of Diaz.

He's brilliant at many things but finishing is not, and hasn't really ever been, a strong point of his.

The misses shouldn't take anything away from his showing though or skew the narrative. He's been a key player since the turn of the year.