Luis Diaz: Bayern Munich sign Liverpool winger in £65.5m deal

Since his debut in January 2022, Diaz has mixed constant dribbling capacity with steadily rising objective risk. Throughout his time on the membership he led the Reds when it comes to dribbles accomplished and fouls gained, whereas rating second for targets, objective involvements and touches within the opposition field.

It’s no accident that his shot conversion fee final time period – 19% in all competitions – was comfortably his highest in a Liverpool shirt. The winger made 39% of his league appearances as a false 9, which means he was capable of shoot from central areas extra usually. Head coach Arne Slot trialled Diaz in that position towards Bayer Leverkusen in November, when the Colombian scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 win, and it was a ploy the Merseysiders used to good impact in December and January.

Along with his risk going ahead, Diaz is famend for grafting for the group. He gained possession within the remaining third 70 occasions within the Premier League, the second most by a Liverpool participant since his arrival, and ranks equally extremely for duels gained regardless of his comparatively slight 5ft 10in (1.78m) body.

When used centrally final time period, his high-energy urgent helped set the tempo for the Reds. However subsequent season that position may very well be crammed by membership document signing Florian Wirtz, who – for all his attacking aptitude – works like a demon off the ball. The 22-year-old German gained possession within the remaining third 71 occasions prior to now two Bundesliga seasons, 15 greater than some other participant.

When it comes to filling the void Diaz leaves on the left flank, Cody Gakpo seems the plain beneficiary. The Dutchman scored 18 occasions final season, although he is not fairly as efficient at dribbling by congested areas.

Rio Ngumoha, who turns 17 in August, began this month’s friendlies towards Preston, Stoke and AC Milan and will finally profit from Diaz’s departure, although the teen has solely made one aggressive look to this point.

One other new signing, Hugo Ekitike, may additionally be deployed on the left on events. The Frenchman is extra more likely to play up entrance however might additionally slot in elsewhere as a part of a fluid ahead line – one thing that could be vital if Liverpool handle to prise Alexander Isak away from Newcastle.