Liverpool’s Luis Diaz doesn’t need to hide after his penalty miss in Colombia’s clash with Ecuador ultimately cost his country all three points.
That’s according to international teammate Davinson Sanchez, who has jumped to defend the winger after his miss in the 0-0 draw.
Diaz had the chance to put his side ahead in the game after a brilliant piece of play from him had earned his side a penalty. He stepped up to take the spot kick but ultimately missed.
It continued something of a dry spell for the Liverpool star, who started the season with two goals in two games for the Reds but hasn’t scored since, while he’s only managed one goal for his country this year, with that coming in the 2-0 win over Germany in June.
The latest miss has led to increased pressure on him, as well as some criticism, with reports in Colombia today making it clear that fans are turning against him.
Sanchez is having none of that, though, and speaking in the mixed zone after the game made it clear he was supporting the Liverpool man.
“There is no need to hide anything,” he said.
“’Lucho has been doing very important things in England, I suffered a lot when I was at Tottenham, but one way or another it is to take away that pressure that has indirectly been put on him.
“He is a decisive player for us, but we want him to go back to being that Luis Diaz with freedom, with the desire as he does there in Liverpool.
“The idea was that he could score and take off that pressure a little bit. And, although unfortunately that did not come, we will continue working to ensure that he continues to be decisive.”
