How does Luis Diaz fit into Jurgen Klopp's lineup?

With Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino already starring in Liverpool’s fearsome attack, will Luis Diaz squeeze into the side or will the Reds’ £50m coup pose a tactical headache for Jurgen Klopp?

  • Liverpool have made a move to sign the Porto and Colombia winger Luis Diaz
  • The Colombian is a right-footed left winger similar to Reds star Sadio Mane
  • The 25-year-old could replace Mane in the long-term or be rotated in short-term
  • The emergence of Diogo Jota has already hinted at a renovated Liverpool attack 

Liverpool have made a dramatic late move to gazump Tottenham and Manchester United with an attempt to sign Colombia international Luis Diaz.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have agreed a fee of £37.5million plus £12.5m in add-ons for the Porto winger.

The Reds already boast a triumphant front line with the trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino firing Liverpool to their sixth Champions League victory and their first Premier League title. 

Liverpool have made a dramatic late move for Porto winger Luis Diaz (pictured)

For many Kopites the thought of life without those three leading the pack in front of the Anfield crowds is unthinkable. 

However, the move for Diaz is a sign that Klopp could be preparing for a revamped front line but how does the Colombia international squeeze his way into an already star-studded side? 

There is no doubt Diaz’s arrival would not affect Liverpool’s defence or midfielder, with the ever-reliable likes of Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and captain Jordan Henderson holding down the fort. 

The Reds already have a star-studded front three of Sadio Mane (L), Mohamed Salah (C) and Roberto Firmino (R)

But the 25-year-old introduces the prospect of some interesting options up front. 

While beloved icons of the Anfield faithful, there is uncertainty over the futures of Salah, Mane and Firmino with all three approaching 30 with 18 months left on their contract. 

The emergence of Diogo Jota since his arrival in 2020 has already ousted Firmino to the bench at times and Diaz could do the same for Senegalese star, Mane.   


The emergence of Diogo Jota (left) has already bumped  Roberto Firmino (right) to the bench 

As a right-footed left winger, Diaz can cut inside in a way Liverpool fans have grown accustomed to seeing Mane do. 

With Klopp persistent with his trusty 4-3-3 formation, he unlikely to stray and a like-for-like swap is expected. 

Diaz would be a perfect substitute for Mane, lining up on the left in a front three alongside Jota and Salah.

However, the Reds boss is loyal to his players and it is yet to be seen if the Colombian would directly replace Mane immediately. 

It is yet unclear if Diaz’s arrival will immediately oust Mane or if Klopp will rotate the players

With the Premier League needing a slight adjustment from the Primeira Liga, Klopp could take the gradual and considered approach that he did when introducing Fabinho and Robertson.

The manager could first deploy Diaz when rotating for cup games or injuries, once again taking up the mantel from Mane on the left. 

Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi have done little to earn the faith of Liverpool fans in recent seasons and Diaz adds a more reassuring squad depth.

In these instances, we could see Diaz line up alongside fellow South American Firmino with Salah maintaining his spot on the right or even bench regulars Minamino and Origi taking to the pitch to provide a break for the Reds starting stars.




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