Luis Díaz’s willingness to sacrifice himself on the defensive side of the game for Liverpool and Colombia is an overlooked skill that needs more recognition.
That’s according to Bolivian Marcelo Moreno Martins, who was keen to praise the Liverpool star, in comments relayed by Infobae, ahead of the clash between Colombia and Bolivia this week.
Díaz has started this season in superb form under new manager Arne Slot, with five goals and one assists in seven games in the Premier League to date.
He’s really kicked on under the new Liverpool manager, having established himself at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp with 24 goals and 12 assists in 98 games since moving from Porto in January 2022.
The 27-year-old appears primed to take the next step in his career and become one of the best players in the Premier League, perhaps even Europe.
He’s already a star for club and country thanks to his attacking prowess but it is his willingness to sacrifice that and work hard going the other way that Moreno Martins was keen to praise when asked about the player this week.
“Without a doubt, Luis Díaz,” he said when asked which Colombia player he likes most.
“Of course, James Rodríguez is not far behind, and I love him, but ‘Lucho’ is very dangerous, he is too good, physically prepared, you can see how he runs, fights for the ball, everything.
“He always gives himself for his team and even more so when he is on the Colombian National Team. So that is very important in a squad and for the objectives of any squad.
“What I like most about Díaz is his sacrifice for the team. Seeing a player of his level go down to defend, recover balls and then join the attack is something incredible. That sacrifice is always going to be very important for a team.”
