Thanks Lucho, with Salah in Africa, Diaz to become Liverpool's new star to stay top of the Premier League

Colombian winger Luis Fernando Diaz was once again at his best in a Liverpool shirt on Monday 1 January as he played a key role in the Reds' 4-2 win over Newcastle in the Premier League matchday 20 fixture. Diaz's display cleared up some of the doubts that had arisen among Anfield fans, given the 26-year-old winger's highs and lows, which had generated criticism from a section of supporters.

Luis Diaz's current form has Liverpool fans hopeful of continuing to lead the Premier League, mainly due to the loss of Egyptian Mohamed Salah, who will not be available for at least the whole of January. Salah played his last game for the Reds against Newcastle before joining the Egypt squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Egypt are in Group B and face Cape Verde, Ghana and Mozambique. Salah's side are expected to advance with some ease to the decisive rounds of the tournament, meaning he will be out of Liverpool for between six and seven games. The known absence of Mohamed Salah will allow Luis Diaz to play a key role for Liverpool as he emerges as one of the options for the right winger position.

The importance of Luis Diaz

Diaz is usually deployed on the left flank and eventually has been deployed in midfield. However, manager Jurgen Klopp will have to alternate between his available players to maintain a strong attack. In addition to Luis Diaz, Liverpool have Portugal's Diogo Jota, Dutchman Cody Gakpo and Uruguay's Darwin Nunez as focal points in attack.