English Premier League
Luis Diaz told Liverpool’s honeymoon period is over in Klopp alerting about big drop-off in form
Luis Diaz told Liverpool’s honeymoon period is over in Klopp alerting about big drop-off in form
Paul Merson has revealed that Liverpool’s new signing Luis Diaz will only prove his Liverpool worth if he continues his form against opponents who have now know about his threat.
The Colombian international arrived at Anfield at the end of January and he has already had a remarkable impact.
Diaz has adapted quickly to manager Jurgen Klopp’s pressing style of football out of possession. On the ball, meanwhile, he has had several chances to add to his goal tally.
He started in the Reds League Cup triumph over Chelsea and performed well under pressure at Wembley.
According to Merson, though, opposition teams now have enough clips of Diaz at Liverpool to analyse his threat. As a result, the pundit warned of a potential drop-off from the winger – unless he proves his worth.
The pundit wrote in his Daily Star column: “Luis Diaz has been so outstanding for Liverpool so far that he is already a marked man.
“He’s come in and caught everybody on the hop. Defenders wouldn’t have watched him much or known much about him and he’s taken them by surprise.
“Now all of a sudden he’s on the radar and this is when you’ve got to produce. He’s in opposition team talks now.
“When teams are discussing how to set up against Liverpool and who to stop, it’s not just [Mohamed] Salah and [Sadio] Mane and [Diogo] Jota they’re talking about. It’s Luis Diaz.
“So it’s a different game for him now and this is where we are going to see what he’s made of. The top players carry it on.
“He will be a marked man. I don’t mean in a vicious way but teams will adjust and try to stop him.”
However, Merson expressed his admiration for what Diaz has produced for Liverpool so far.
“What I’ve seen so far, I’ve been majorly impressed,” the pundit added. “His first touch, his movement, his team play, his work ethic, finishing, his skills. Everything about him has been outstanding.
“He’s going to be massively important to them now for the rest of the season because they don’t have a chance of winning a Quadruple unless everyone is on top of their game.”
Liverpool can reduce the gap between them and League Leaders Manchester City to three points with victory over West Ham on Saturday.
Following the Carabao Cup triumph, the Reds are also in contention for the FA Cup and Champions League.
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