Klopp's concern after Luis Diaz's performance in Colombia and long journey home

The day after being the hero of the first national victory against the five-time world champions in the knockout rounds can be very, very difficult. It happened to Luis Diaz, scorer of the brace that sealed a 2-1 win over Brazil last time out in Barranquilla, where he left to a standing ovation, full of joy, thrilled with his father free in the stands and his heart bursting with gratitude.

So the challenge was enormous this Tuesday in Asuncion, where he showed his usual sacrifice but few, very few clear chances to score? Just like before that match against the Brazilians, when he struggled to connect and receive clean balls in front of goal. In his defence, although there was no personal marking, the Paraguayans alternated control of the Colombian on the left flank and in the first half he was fouled, to the point that he made a very strong complaint to the referee, curiously for a foul that was not a foul.

But then he understood that he was going to be more of a partner than anything else and he got on well with Borja, perhaps his best partner on the left, and Castaño backed him up, and with Lerma he knew each other well enough to participate as a pivot at times, as an assistant at others, although unfortunately the goal did not come. It took until the 57th minute to see him get his first shot on target, a fantastic assist from James that the keeper unfortunately guessed wrong and he pulled it over the top.

Klopp's concern

On 76 minutes he linked up well with Carrascal but also lacked accuracy and so, on 81 minutes, he was withdrawn from the field, exhausted, to give his place to Campaz. It wasn't an outstanding game, but it can't be called a bad one. When needed, he is a team player, being the most unbalanced of Lorenzo's players. He has already played his part in this double qualifying round. He deserves a good return home. Luis Diaz's performance for Colombia could leave Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp worried ahead of Saturday's all-important game against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.