Liverpool star just cost himself a new contract with DISASTROUS performance
By
Will Comish
Will Comish
On Sunday afternoon, Liverpool fans were left aghast at what they'd just witnessed as it was confirmed that Plymouth Argyle had beaten the Reds in the FA Cup.
Arne Slot had gambled with his team selection, favouring to rest Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboslzai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Virgil Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Andy Robertson and Alisson Becker so they would be fit for the rescheduled Merseyside Derby clash on Wednesday.
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But while the team Liverpool put out was still relatively strong, with players you'd expect to be able to make a difference and step up now that they had been allowed to play, Plymouth took them to the sword in a 1-0 victory, to serve Slot's side with its fourth loss of the season.
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On the face of it, Reds fans may look to disregard this loss to Room 101 with claims that it's just 'one of those things' and 'you can't win them all', but a cup exit is a serious thing and the performance itself simply cannot be just brushed under the carpet.
While so many players had an off day, one in particular typified why this result is an important wake-up call regarding the club's season and the players' futures.
Luis Diaz's bleak efforts in front of goal continue
The Reds as a whole managed just four shots on target from their 14 efforts at goal - one for each of James McConnell, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Caoimhin Kelleher in the final action of the game.
Federico Chiesa was arguably the worst attacking player in Liverpool's ranks today, with a 10% dribble success rate, a 25% cross accuracy and winning just four of his 17 ground duels.
And as disastrous as that was, the slight - and I mean slight - caveat for him can only be a lack of regular game time, which might have impacted his ability to play to his best, although he undoubtedly should have made better use of the opportunity afforded to him.
For Luis Diaz, however, who is one of the club's most experienced players, the excuses simply aren't there. The Colombian has been battling it out with Gakpo all season for game time at left-wing, often being fielded as a centre-forward by Slot in an attempt to cover up the inefficiencies of Jota and Nunez up front.
Today, he was fielded in his favourite position against Plymouth - who are 24th in the Championship with 63 goals conceded in their 30 games - yet he was completely ineffective, with just a blocked shot, a missed big chance, three long balls and four duels to his name after 90 minutes.
What pressure does Gakpo have on his place in Slot's starting XI if his understudy is failing to perform?
In addition, Diaz is set to be out of contract in 2027 so he has everything to prove if he wishes the club to extend his stay on Merseyside. Anfield Watch understands that he is joined by Nunez and Jota as players that Liverpool are thinking about selling this summer.
And why shouldn't they? Teams lose games, but they fight until the very end. Diaz was quite frankly pathetic in his efforts today and it's not the first time he's flattered to deceive.
In the first two months of the Premier League season, he had five goals in five games. Across all competitions, he has since added seven goals to that tally in 28 games, although his current drought in front of goal has now extended to nine appearances for the Reds. That cannot be good enough.
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So while the response to Anfield Watch's latest exclusive might have come across as a little concerning - potentially replacing three attacking players before we consider the idea that Salah might not extend his contract - the reality is that Liverpool's attacking play is lacking quality behind Gakpo and Salah.
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Arne Slot might choose to be diplomatic in response to the game, looking at the positives and focusing on the next game as the Reds' extensive schedule of games rolls on, but he will know deep down that FSG need to help him out in the summer, because some of the players aren't delivering and are letting the side down.
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Comments
When you consider that Kellerher only had one incident to deal with, which was to try and save the penalty, it goes to show how much of a pathetic performance that was by the team today. They kicked the ball around and stood still. Too slow and not enough speed, or pace. The kids didn't know what to do with the ball.
Luis Díaz is the lowest-paid forward at Liverpool, with a salary far below that of Gakpo and Núñez. Even so, he has always given his best for the team; in fact, last season, he was the most consistent player when Salah wasn’t scoring at all. Díaz has had a slower start to the year in terms of performance, which is normal for all athletes. Gakpo had a terrible start to the season, and Núñez has barely scored goals. Yet now, they’re trying to blame Díaz for yesterday’s match, when it was clear that the coach made a mistake by underestimating the opponent and not fielding experienced players in midfield. He practically sent the young players into battle and left the forwards without anyone to supply them with passes. Díaz has always stood by the team through thick and thin. Surely, in the summer transfer window, there will be clubs that truly appreciate his value.
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