Slot could drop Diaz by starting “special” Liverpool ace instead

Is not it humorous to assume that had been it not for Nottingham Forest, Liverpool would boast a flawless document throughout three competitions heading into the third month of the 2024/25 marketing campaign?

Liverpool have received their opening recreation within the Champions League, towards AC Milan on the San Siro, whereas additionally thumping West Ham United at Anfield within the Carabao Cup second spherical.

Shedding on Merseyside towards Forest within the Premier League was a shock, like being thrown right into a blizzard having lounged on a Caribbean seaside. Nonetheless, Arne Slot’s Reds are flying, and have received all 5 of their different top-flight matches, thus perching atop the desk six video games in.

Now, Bologna journey to Liverpool within the second recreation of the Champions League. The Italians drew 0-0 towards Shakhtar Donetsk of their opener however will face a distinct beast later at present.

Let’s not overlook that Liverpool misplaced their final residence fixture in European competitors – and towards Serie A opposition too. Slot will must be cautious.

Regardless of this, he ought to in all probability contemplate dropping Luis Diaz, imperious as he has been this season.

Why Slot ought to drop Luis Diaz

Liverpool resisted caving into the sugar rush that may have include signing Anthony Gordon this summer season, provided as they had been to signal the Newcastle United star amid PSR issues.

What can be the purpose? Diaz may not have hit the diploma of goalscoring success desired final season however he actually produced glorious performances.

Furthermore, he seems to be to be a factory-build match for a ‘Slot system’, rating among the many prime 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers throughout Europe’s prime 5 leagues over the previous yr for cross completion and the highest 10% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, emphasising his technical talent.

Because the desk under exhibits you, although his goalscoring numbers have shot up, he is not likely raised the underlying metrics, which speaks volumes of his significance throughout the beginning line-up.

He is scored 5 objectives from six Premier League matches, which is kind of a factor on condition that Diaz solely bagged eight throughout the whole thing of final season, 37 fixtures performed. He is been simpler together with his time, extra economical in his offensive actions.

He did not, nonetheless, produce his best efficiency towards Wolves final day trip, blanking and failing to supply all that a lot in assault for Slot’s aspect, which did not actually get going however nonetheless managed to say a much-needed victory.

Certainly, as per Sofascore, the 27-year-old misplaced 84% of his contested duels, ceded possession ten occasions and failed to finish his one tried dribble, additionally being dribbled previous twice and taking only one blocked shot.

It was a efficiency that sat on extra middling floor, with The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle awarding the Colombian a 6/10 match score, acknowledging his risk on the left flank however admitting that he ‘triggered panic’ for the travelling aspect after a few iffy moments within the defensive third.

Diaz has spoken of his adoration of his new head coach and is showcasing his new-found love on the pitch. Nevertheless, he should not be unleashed throughout each single one in all Liverpool’s matches, lest he endure a dangerous harm.

The perfect substitute for Diaz at Liverpool

Fortunately, Liverpool aren’t overly reliant on Diaz, who has been one of many membership’s finest gamers over the primary few months however, fortunately, competes with the good Cody Gakpo for a beginning berth.

Slot’s discovered a neat manner of doing issues on the left aspect of his frontline. It is fairly easy, actually: Diaz operates on Premier League days, whereas Gakpo takes the reins throughout midweek competitions.

That is how issues have been carried out so far, and although it will not stay that manner all through the marketing campaign and past, Liverpool are reaping the rewards of proudly owning two gifted wingers jostling for prime spot.

Diaz has began each Premier League match, whereas Gakpo – who was kailed for his “particular talent set” by Klopp’s former assistant supervisor Pep Lijnders – has but to play from the outset within the prime flight and has as a substitute performed so towards West Ham and Milan. He is been the most effective gamers on the pitch on each events and now deserves one other shot.

The Netherlands worldwide differs from Diaz in that he is somewhat extra dynamic and fewer of a touchline winger than Diaz, who, albeit, is proving that declare improper by performing with a excessive purpose output this yr. It is a testomony to Slot’s system and its implementation that each gamers have hit the bottom operating.

Klopp, with no disrespect, did not work out the easiest way to make use of Gakpo, who’s so clearly, in hindsight, an out-and-out extensive ahead, the place his tempo and energy and efficiency meld collectively to the best impact. Final time period, he featured on the left throughout simply 12 of his 53 outings, which factors towards a level of positional mismanagement.

The synergy should proceed to be constructed up, and that is speaking concerning the Liverpool squad as a complete, not simply Slot’s most popular 11 within the Premier League.

Diaz is in red-hot kind and thus is unlikely to lose his beginning berth any time quickly, however the video games come thick and quick for Liverpool and rotation is important throughout completely different competitions.

Slot’s already discovered a formulation that is bearing fruits for his crew, and with Diaz positioned on the bench for this one, Gakpo may have his likelihood to shine and deepen the bond that is blossoming over on Merseyside.