Liverpool forward Luis Diaz captivated BBC pundits Chris Sutton and Dion Dublin after scoring his ‘delightful’ and innovative goal at home to AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.
The 26-year-old drew the Reds level against the Cherries in the 28th minute of their Premier League game. Antoine Semenyo had given the visitors the lead inside the first three minutes at Anfield. But Diaz created a way past Neto in the away goal against the flow of the fixture.
Bournemouth started well on Merseyside and deserved their advantage as Liverpool looked vulnerable in midfield and their defence. But Jurgen Klopp’s attack kept the Reds alive as the only threatening facet of his side. Diaz then made their presence felt once Liverpool clicked.
Diaz created a lot from a little to score against Bournemouth
Diogo Jota sought to slot Diaz in as Liverpool broke midway through the first half. His pass was not clean, though, and deflected off a defender to leave the Colombian with work to do. Yet Diaz delivered as the 39-cap international swivelled to volley home his flick up past Neto.
Diaz started from a strong position in the heart of Bournemouth’s area to make something from Jota’s pass. While his goal gave Liverpool the momentum to push on and take the lead on 36 minutes. Mohamed Salah gave the Reds a half-time lead with his rebounded penalty.
The Liverpool star’s creative goal captivated Sutton and Dublin
Klopp opted to start Diaz as Liverpool’s left-winger against Bournemouth having also scored against Chelsea last week. The Barrancas-born forward broke the deadlock after 18 minutes away at Stamford Bridge from Salah’s pass. But Axel Disasi would deny Klopp’s team the win.
Diaz only scored four goals all term in 2022/23 having also only managed 17 Premier League appearances due to injury. But the winger is enjoying a superb start to the new season. Diaz also captivated Sutton with his creativity to score Liverpool’s first goal against Bournemouth.
“Delightful Diaz [and] really well worked by Jota,” Sutton said on BBC Radio 5 Live. “Neto is rooted, wonderful innovation. Liverpool [are] level [but I’m] not sure they deserve it.”
Whether Liverpool deserved to draw level against Bournemouth or not, Diaz’s innovation to beat Neto also captivated former England forward Dublin speaking on the BBC’s Final Score.
“Diaz is eight yards out, centre of the goal [and] the ball is bobbling into him,” Dublin said. “He knows he won’t be able to have the time to control it and turn, so he has instinctively flicked it into the air to volley it. Brilliant finish, great technique.”
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