Colombia's national media deliver interesting verdict on Liverpool's Luis Diaz after his international display
09/07/2024 02:15 AM
Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz continued his fine form for Colombia as they played out a 1-1 draw against Peru in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Alexander Callens’ goal gave the home side the lead in the second half, but with just eight minutes left on the clock, Diaz headed home from close range to restore parity.
His goal ensured Colombia remained unbeaten in the group as they currently occupy third spot behind Uruguay and Argentina.
Diaz did his reputation no harm with a late goal and was praised by the Colombian media for his performance against Peru.
Colombian media feel Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz was meant to score vs Peru
Starting in attack alongside Jhon Cordoba and Luis Sinisterra, Diaz wasn’t at his fluent best as Peru looked like they’d snatch an unlikely win.
However, the 27-year-old delivered the good when it mattered most and was on hand to head the ball in from close range after James Rodriguez’s corner fell kindly to him after a flick-on from a Colombian teammate.
El Tiempo gave him a rating of seven out of ten, highlighting that he was ‘destined’ to emerge as the leading man for his country.
“He didn’t shine, but he was destined to be the hero. He scored the equaliser and that contribution is worth its weight in gold. Seven points.”
Analysing Diaz’s performance against Peru
While it wasn’t his most productive night, Diaz worked his socks off and played the full 90 minutes for Colombia as they got another valuable point in the World Cup qualifiers.
The 27-year-old was largely kept at bay by the Peruvian defenders and that is evident from the fact that he completed just two of the seven dribbles he attempted, boasting a pass completion percentage of 88% (30/34).
Diaz, though, completed each of the four long balls he attempted and earned one foul for his team as he finished the game with a Sofascore rating of 7.1.
He is clearly Colombia’s main man and will look to spearhead his side to a win as they prepare for their high-profile clash against Argentina next week.
How has Diaz fared for Liverpool under Arne Slot?
The Colombian winger has started each of the Reds’ three Premier League games under Slot and has repaid his manager’s faith in him with three goals.
Chris Sutton feels Diaz made Casemiro look ‘horrendous’ during the 3-0 win against Manchester United as he stole the show at Old Trafford with a first-half brace.
There have been hints that Diaz is in line to get a new contract at Liverpool and if he carries on performing like this, Slot will look to tie him down for the long haul at Anfield.
