Champions League

Did Luis Díaz not play well? In Colombia this is what they say about the striker

The 26-year-old was substituted by Jürgen Klopp at the end of the match against Ajax

By Charles Cornwall

The 26-year-old was substituted by Jürgen Klopp at the end of the match against Ajax

Liverpool beat Ajax 2-1 in the second UEFA Champions League Group A matchday two. Luis Díaz played 91 minutes at an acceptable level, much more committed as a team. He lacked accuracy in the final shot. But in Colombia they doubt if the striker was at the level of what the team needed, which cost him to be replaced at the end of the match by James Milner.

ESPN Colombia analysed that the Colombian's mobility to move in and out from the flanks to the centre paid off from the start. He changed positions in the attacking trident completed by Diogo Jota and Mo Salah. On the left, he continued the goal-scoring move started by Alisson with a long throw. He controlled the ball and brought it down for the Portuguese, who assisted the Egyptian for the 1-0.

<strong>More Liverpool news:</strong>

Mohamed Salah's FIFA 23 rating causes controversy

Historic moment in Liverpool's win over Ajax at Anfield

He was also decisive in the centre. In that area he caught a rebound in the half-moon and hit a right-footed shot that grazed goalkeeper Remko Pasveer's post. From there, he combined better with Trent Alexander-Arnold, who he played into the right with passes into space. For the second half he stayed more on the left. He did damage with his speed when the team tried to change direction with the right-back. He tried an individual action that sought to delay in the area without backing to connect from the back.

In the final 20 minutes, German coach Jürgen Klopp put on four attackers and Luis dropped back to play behind Brazilian Roberto Firmino on that flank. He had the winning goal under the goal after a cross from Darwin Nunez failed to connect because the ball went past him.

<strong>Where Díaz failed?</strong>

His intense start was recast at the end. He finished exhausted. He made three shots on goal, won five duels from 14 and delivered 19 passes well from 26. He was replaced by James Milner after 91 minutes. Liverpool remain third, now with three points. They will resume Champions League action after the FIFA break. They will be at home to Rangers in the third round on 4 October.

 

Topics


More news