Liverpool winger Luis Diaz is once again being hailed – and teammate Virgil van Dijk is joining in with the praise after Tuesday’s win over Villarreal.
2-0 up from the first leg, it looked like Liverpool were coasting into the Champions League final.
Villarreal had other ideas though and quickly took the lead in the second leg thanks to Boulaye Dia.
Francis Coquelin’s goal before half time brought Villarreal level and left Liverpool reeling at the break.
Two things happened then. Firstly, Villarreal seemed to retreat into a more defensive approach, allowing Liverpool to come onto them.
Secondly, Liverpool brought on winger Diaz for Diogo Jota at half time.
It was a surprise when Diaz didn’t start the game but Liverpool were able to unleash him on Villarreal at the break.
Diaz was outstanding in his substitute appearance, giving life to Liverpool as he has ever since joining from Porto in January.
Fabinho put Liverpool back ahead on aggregate before Diaz added a goal of his own. Sadio Mane wrapped it up and Etienne Capuoe’s red card ended the game as a contest.
Liverpool were given a scare but are now into a third Champions League final under Jurgen Klopp.
Who knows whether that would be the case without Diaz, who just continues to make an enormous impact.
The January signing has been outstanding ever since arriving, giving Liverpool exactly what they needed in attack.
Even former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been blown away by Diaz and the plaudits just continue to roll in.
Liverpool defender Van Dijk spoke to BT Sport after the final whistle on Tuesday and admitted that he feels Diaz is ‘incredible’.
Van Dijk praised Diaz’s ability to drive at defenders without any fear, but also hailed the way he fights to win the ball back whenever he loses it.
That sheer desire from Diaz makes him ‘difficult’ to deal with according to Van Dijk, who will be delighted to be his teammate rather than his opponent!
“Incredible,” said Van Dijk. “The way he goes 1v1, it doesn’t really matter who he’s facing, he’ll just go at you without any fear or anything. If he loses the ball, he gets the ball back as quickly as possible, go again, go again. That’s very difficult to defend,” he added.
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