Does Liverpool ever miss Luis Diaz?

02/12/2025 12:12:00 PANDATV

Probably yes. In fact, both Liverpool and Arne Slot likely miss Luis Diaz a lot. Simply put, Diaz is not just a forward. He can also create breakthroughs in a single moment — something that, until now, players like Ekitike, Salah, and Isak completely "forget" how to do.

In the 2024/25 season, when Liverpool won the Premier League Diaz contributed 13 goals and 7 assists — the second highest in the team after Mohamed Salah. But suddenly, Liverpool sold Diaz to Bayern Munich for 70 million euros, much to everyone's surprise. It certainly wasn't because Diaz missed Diogo Jota’s funeral that Liverpool’s management or coach Arne Slot rushed to sell him. They sold Diaz to make room for Ekitike and Isak and to rely on Gakpo’s breakthrough. So far, only the Gakpo part is correct; Liverpool and Slot have been wrong about everything else.

Recently, Diaz continued his outstanding form with a goal and an assist, helping Bayern Munich edge past St. Pauli dramatically. Up to now, Diaz is Bayern’s most successful signing this season. For Liverpool, the Colombian star’s amazing consistency and brilliance is a "slap" to Slot’s unfounded calculations. Despite reinforcing with many big signings, Liverpool’s attack still lacks unpredictability, fire, fighting spirit, and sharpness — qualities Luis Diaz once brought to Anfield and now are visible at Bayern.

Diaz tỏa sáng tại Bayern - Ảnh: @iMiaSanMia — Diaz shines at Bayern - Photo: @iMiaSanMia

The Belgian coach also praised Diaz’s never-give-up spirit in particular and Bayern players in general after the win over St. Pauli: "Tough victories like this are part of the season. They give us confidence for the future that we can win in such situations. I commend the lads for pushing forward and believing in themselves. We need that throughout the season. Luis Diaz played a fantastic game."

Bayern returned to Munich with low morale after a disappointing away loss to Arsenal 1-3 at the Emirates in their fifth Champions League qualifying match, marking their first defeat in the 2025/26 group stage. Against St. Pauli, Bayern also fell behind. But on a day when pride was at stake, Bayern with Diaz — who assisted the equalizer to make it 1-1 — showed that those who dare to "ruffle the tiger’s fur" will pay dearly. After the equalizer, Bayern gained confidence and dominated the game. Kane had an unlucky day in front of goal, missing at least two clear chances, and Bayern seemed out of attacking ideas, ready to settle for a draw. But Diaz did not.

The former Liverpool forward broke the hearts of the few St. Pauli fans present at Allianz Arena in the 90+3 minute. Diaz found space in the exhausted and fatigued defense to score a header from a long pass by Kimmich. This was the 12th time this season Diaz has been involved in a goal for Bayern in the Bundesliga (7 goals and 5 assists). Ultimately, Bayern won 3-1, and Diaz was named Man of the Match.

Bộ ba tân binh mà Liverpool mua ở Hè 2025 đang kém xa một mình Diaz về độ hiệu quả - Ảnh: @iMiaSanMia — The trio of Liverpool's summer 2025 signings are far less effective than Diaz alone - Photo: @iMiaSanMia

Looking further, Diaz has directly contributed to 22 goals this season for Bayern across all competitions, more than the combined total goals and assists of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Hugo Ekitike (21). What does this statistic tell you? This is the group of new signings Liverpool spent up to £450 million on during the last summer transfer window. Yet their contribution is less than Diaz alone. Surprising? Not at all.

Looking to England, Isak only recently scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool after a long wait. But don’t celebrate too soon — remember how wasteful he was before scoring, including during the win over West Ham. Clearly, Liverpool spent €150 million not just to get one or two goals. What Liverpool needs is much more than that. Still, one goal and a win bring some relief for Isak, Liverpool, and Slot personally.

Many things cannot be fixed or settled after just one match. If West Ham had been more clinical, Liverpool might not have won. Ekitike, who started well, suddenly "went cold" due to Slot’s personnel changes. Salah, who exploded in 2024/25 and in early 2025/26 matches, has now sharply declined. It’s hard to understand what style Liverpool is playing now. Counter-pressing is off, high pressing is incomplete, and controlling the game is half-hearted... Liverpool truly lacks a player who inspires like Diaz. Just one clever dribble or tricky move from him can significantly change the score, the game flow, and the overall situation.

Or do you remember Darwin Nunez? Although Nunez was "clumsy," he ran tirelessly. Defenders fear players who run wildly like him. He created pressure and prevented opponents from advancing. Nunez was even willing to play as a defender if it helped the team. But Isak, Gakpo, Ekitike, and Salah cannot do that now.

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