Revealed: The SECRET behind Luis Diaz's incredible Liverpool transformation

Luis Diaz has transformed into an unrecognisable player compared to last season and here's why.

Back in the summer transfer window, Luis Diaz's future at Anfield looked uncertain.

The Colombian had never really exploded into life under the previous regime. In fact, for a large part of last season, Diaz was struggling under Jurgen Klopp.

He looked rusty in front of goal and often scuppered big chances in key moments.

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Fans' patience was running thin. Many were on board with cutting ties with Diaz and bringing in scouse-born Anthony Gordon.

How quickly the tables have turned. Diaz is now scoring hat-tricks for fun and becoming a fan favourite with his song echoing around the terraces of the Kop.

But just how did it all happen? How did Diaz go from an unreliable finisher to a goal-scoring merchant?

The secret behind Luis Diaz's transformation at Liverpool

Last season, as per FBref, Luis Diaz underperformed his xG goals by 3.9 in the Premier League. That means he should have scored four more goals on paper according to the data.

As mentioned above, the eye test proved that as well.

But fast forward to this season and Diaz has overperformed his xG in the Premier League by 2.2.

That's a massive swing, but it doesn't seem to be a mere purple match or a simple anomaly in the data.

Diaz genuinely seems to have gotten much more prolific under Slot. He's played 16 games now under Liverpool's new head coach (including the Sevilla friendly) and has scored 11 goals - just two less than he managed in 51 games last season.

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So, why has he become so prolific?

The answer lies in the fine lines between the data, and it's rather simple.

Diaz's shot selection has improved remarkably over the course of this season compared to last season.

As per Wyscout, last season 26.6 per cent of Diaz's shots were from outside the box. This season the percentage has dropped to just 12 per cent.

At the same time, Diaz has maintained around the same volume of shots per game, in fact he's averaging, half a shot less. Last season he was averaging 3.2 - this season he is averaging 2.7.

It's no coincidence that with better shot selection, making sure he is taking more shots from inside the box, where he has a higher probability of scoring, Diaz's efficiency numbers in front of goal have improved.

By refining his game and making sure he pulls the trigger at the right times Slot has completely transformed the Colombian.

He's been able to fix the one lingering issue with Diaz that prevented him from being a difference maker on the pitch.

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Sometimes it's the small, finer details in the game that make the biggest difference. Diaz's early case study this season is an excellent example.

A simple, subtle change has taken him from a frustrating and ineffective winger to Liverpool's top-scorer alongside Mohamed Salah.