Even with win over Rangers, this Liverpool player will have to change his game

One Reds player will have to make changes on the pitch at the request of manager Jürgen Klopp

05/10/2022, 05:21 AM +00:00

Many were surprised to see Luis Diaz in the starting XI after Henderson and Thiago. But it is no surprise. The Colombian player has been fulfilling a blue-collar job where he helps out in defence, the clean sheet and lends a hand in attack. Only this time, the options he generates don't inflate the net. This time Klopp used a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Liverpool have not had the best start to the season, both in the Champions League and Premier League. Jurgen Klopp changed his formation for the match against Rangers in the third round of European competition. Surprise in the Liverpool starting line-up, especially with Luis Diaz. The Colombian has earned a place in the attack as a left winger because of his pace and explosive ability to change pace.

More Liverpool news:

'Klopp to blame for Liverpool's poor form', the fiery criticism ahead of Rangers game

Cristiano Ronaldo's poor form did not go unnoticed by Jürgen Klopp

However, the German coach moved everything and sent the Colombian as a midfielder, according to the scheme that Klopp manages with the 'reds'. The popular 4-3-3 had the Colombian in the midfield alongside Thiago and Henderson. He started the game restlessly, helping out on the left. Going up and down. Covering and pressing with the opposition trying to get forward with Tavernier or Tillman. He practically nullified them and was a headache for them when he had the ball.

While he was "further away from goal", he had clear chances that were saved by Mc Gregor. On that point, compared to last season, he needs to improve a lot. But it is not a weak point for 'Lucho', it is a weak point for a large part of the squad. As a result of that back and forth, he was awarded a penalty that ended in Salah's goal. SofaScore gave him 7.2 points. He hit 33 out of 40 passes, 83 % in total. He had one shot on target and two off target. He completed two of four dribbles and won three of five duels. This is his new job as Liverpool's workman.

Luis Diaz needs to play further back on the pitch

Now more than ever Liverpool need this version of Luis Diaz. They have a tough schedule ahead of them. On Sunday they visit Arsenal, then travel to Scotland, host Manchester City and go to the Netherlands for the Champions League. He is not allowed to blink.