With a scrappy finish by his hip, Luis Diaz scored the opening goal against Wolves last Sunday, sparking hope at Anfield as he cashed the first goal in since December, and his performance may well be the spark Liverpool need to regain their attacking edge.
In a nervy 2–1 win that saw Liverpool extend their seven‐point lead at the top of the Premier League at the time, Diaz played a key role in setting the tone for his team.
With the opener coming from a well-timed run on the left, the Colombian neatly controlled a loose ball and bundled it past Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa.
Moments later, his clever movement and persistence in the box forced a foul on him, winning a penalty that teammate Mo Salah calmly converted.
With a fresh statement made, he looked to be heading back towards the season’s beginning phase, Diaz broke his ten-match scoring drought, giving himself a beacon of hope to eliminate his barren spell.
When the System Didn’t Fit Diaz’s Preference
Diaz’s recent slump in scoring resulted not only from dwindling confidence but also from tactical adjustments.
In recent months, manager Arne Slot experimented with various formations and player roles to enhance Liverpool’s attacking effectiveness.
With Cody Gakpo excelling this season with 16 goals across all matches, Slot frequently moved Diaz to a central position.
Although this shift aimed to bolster coverage in the middle, it deprived the Colombian of his natural role on the left wing where his speed, dribbling, and finesse finishing excel.
Gakpo's overlapping runs on the left diminished opportunities for Diaz, complicating matters by pushing him into roles he wasn't accustomed to.
Conversely, upon returning Diaz to his usual position against Wolves, the impact was evident. His runs down the left, timely box movements, and the way he earned a penalty echoed the explosive performances that marked his early season.
Reclaiming his Belief
Sunday’s match showcased flashes of the attacking skill that once made Diaz a vital player in Liverpool’s initial campaign.
Prior to his recent challenges, the Colombian had been in exceptional form, netting five goals in five consecutive games, including a hat-trick during a remarkable Champions League performance against Bayer Leverkusen.
Against Wolves, Diaz’s involvement in two goals highlighted his significance in Slot’s tactical framework.
As Liverpool approaches a crucial phase in the season that could determine their fate, Diaz’s revival allows the team to ease the immense pressures of match loads and expectations at Anfield while maintaining their advantage and aiming for Champions League glory simultaneously.
Moreover, his performance contrasted sharply with earlier tactical experiments concerning his positioning.
Freed from a congested central role, Diaz was able to exploit the flanks, make diagonal runs, and initiate dangerous counter-attacks—characteristics that define his best play.
His movement troubled Wolves’ defense, reminiscent of his early-season form, and was pivotal to Liverpool’s overall attacking fluidity.
“Diaz understands the role of a left-winger, a left-sided forward. That’s where he’s played throughout his career," remarked The Anfield Wrap, highlighting Diaz’s connection on the left side. “He appears much more comfortable in that position and has the ability to drift inward from the flank...It’s incredibly effective."
Looking ahead, a crucial question for Liverpool will be whether Diaz can maintain this revitalized form. If he continues to occupy his preferred left position and is granted the freedom to maneuver, it’s undeniable that he can become a key figure in Liverpool’s attack.
His early-season brilliance and the confidence he demonstrated on Sunday indicates that his spark remains.
For a team pursuing trophies and in need of reliable attacking options, Diaz could be the catalyst that reignites Liverpool’s offensive ambitions.