Everton star James Rodriguez has paid tribute to reported Tottenham Hotspur target Luis Diaz after his fine performances for Colombia at the Copa America, speaking on Twitch, via ESPN.
After the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner was left out of Colombia’s Copa America squad in highly controversial circumstances, Los Cafeteros needed someone to step up in the absence of their most naturally gifted footballer.
And it’s fair to say Diaz answered the call – and in some style, too.
A red card against Venezuela in the group stages was hardly an ideal start but the 24-year-old Porto winger returned with a vengeance, scoring four goals in his next four games as Colombia finished third in the tournament.
A series of match-winning displays on the international stage have led to renewed interest about Diaz’s future at club level too, with Premier League giants Tottenham long-time admirers of a player they have scouted since his time at Atletico Junior between 2017 and 2019 (Antena2).
Can Tottenham finally snap up Luis Diaz?
“He made a very good Copa. Scoring four goals in so few games is super complicated,” said James Rodriguez, who faces an uncertain future of his own with just a few weeks of the transfer window remaining.
“I am happy for (Diaz). We hope he continues on that path. Colombia needs players of that quality and we hope the young people who come, come with that same hunger and a lot of quality.
“Colombia needs that kind of player.”
According to Correio da Manha, Diaz has a £68 million release clause in his contract. It’s understood Porto would accept far less than that, however, with a precarious financial situation forcing the Primeira Liga giants to consider offers for their star players before the summer is out.
Diaz, who shot to fame with a Champions League wonder goal against Manchester City last season, is at his most dazzling when deployed on the left.
Having already brought in Bryan Gil from Sevilla, it remains to be seen whether Tottenham have room in their squad for another spring-heeled winger, with Lucas Moura and Steven Bergwijn expected to stay in north London following an excellent pre-season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
