Cody Gakpo vs Luis Diaz: Liverpool MUST pick and there's only one RIGHT choice

After Liverpool defeated Brighton in the Carabao Cup round of 16 on Wednesday night, head coach Arne Slot delivered a strong hint as to his future intentions for the left-wing berth.

Luis Diaz started the season in tremendous form. He scored five Premier League goals in his first five games of the season, grabbing another assist. His form was so good that there were plenty of calls for a new contract for the Colombian.

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With his current terms expiring in 2027, it could be argued that Diaz is next in line for a renewal after Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contracts all expire next summer.

It is well known that the 27-year-old is down the pecking order when it comes to his wage packet, estimated at £55,000 per week.

Unusually for a Liverpool player, Diaz is still operating on the same contract he signed upon his arrival in January 2022 from Porto.

There has been transfer interest in the winger too with both Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona linked with a move. However, Barca were alleged to have been put off by Liverpool’s asking price while PSG’s attempts have yet to make it past the exploratory stage.

Gakpo takes over

However, events over the past few weeks might now mean that a sale rather than a renewal is in order for Diaz, whose grip on the starting shirt is slipping.

Although he came into the side against Arsenal last weekend, adding an assist, it would appear that Cody Gakpo is emerging as Slot’s first-choice option on the left side of the attack.

Diaz found himself on the bench for three games in a row either side of the international break with Gakpo taking advantage against Crystal Palace, Chelsea and RB Leipzig.

At a crucial juncture, Diaz’s hot streak appeared to have abandoned him, permitting Gakpo the chance to stake his claim.

And although both started - and scored - in the midweek game against Brighton, it was Gakpo who shaded the individual battle.

“For me, he is a regular starter,” Slot said of his fellow countryman afterwards. “Not starting every game but he’s started on a regular basis. There is tough competition with Luis Diaz.

“It’s normal at a club like Liverpool to have two quality players for every position.”

Diaz was shunted to the right side to accommodate Gakpo in his favoured left-wing position. Even though the Dutch international can play up front, Slot opted to start with NO out-and-out centre forward and gave Gakpo the chance to roam down the left.

He scored two brilliant goals, taking the individual acclaim and nudging his season total to four overall - all in the EFL Cup thus far. Although he has yet to get off the mark in the Champions League and Premier League, recent events now suggest that the shirt is Gakpo’s to lose.

Time to consider Diaz sale

And with the time approaching for sporting director Richard Hughes to renew or consider a sale for Diaz, the younger man’s form would suggest that the club might take the second path.

After all if they can bank more than the estimated £37m they paid to Porto for his services, it might be a good opportunity to add to the squad. Otherwise they risk ANOTHER player running down his deal and leaving for nothing.

Given that situation could be about to materialise for Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold, the time will soon come to make a decision on Diaz. Gakpo has demonstrated thus far this season that he is more than ready to make the next step in his club career under a compatriot that now appears to trust him.

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