Nine cup finals to go, is the established narrative following Liverpool's 2-1 win over Brighton last Easter Sunday. A massive result that sees the Reds two points clear at the top of the Premier League summit, following the stalemate between Manchester City and Arsenal.
Despite being 1-0 down, not even two minutes into proceedings, the Reds did what they do so often under Jurgen Klopp, find a way to win. This is in large part due to the strong sense of urgency and initiative shown by our Reds, needing nothing but a win in order to keep pace with their title rivals.
A key element to the Reds' relentless comeback was the energy of Luis Diaz, with the Colombian putting in one of his best performances this season, scoring the equalizer and always looking to put Liverpool on the front foot.
And yet, despite arguably being part of Liverpool's best front-three, there have been quite a few doubters who don't feel as assured with our number 7.
Admittedly, I've been one of these folks at certain points throughout this season. With Diaz being known to hold onto the ball too long and force the play at times. Not to mention the instances where he can be wasteful in front of goal.
Despite the flaws in his game, Diaz makes up for it with tremendous work rate, desire, and supreme dribbling ability.
Being the only true left-sided winger in the squad, his current return of 12 goals and 5 assists in all competitions this season remains solid. He very rarely misses any games as well, as our Diaz only failed to make the Liverpool squad twice, with the reason being personal rather than injury.
All things considered, the Colombian remains a vital cog in the Klopp machine, and we'll definitely need him to be at his best if Liverpool are to add more silverware to their League Cup win this season.
With Mo Salah, Diogo Jota, and Darwin Nunez supplying the bulk of the Liverpool goal scoring this season, a boost in the goal scoring department from the likes of Diaz can go a long way.
His dribbling ability on the ball, and speed off of it, gives the Reds a lethal outlet on that left side. At his best, the threat of Diaz can serve to force opponents deeper, which can routinely give Klopp's men the opportunity to fashion numerous opportunities. However, it's undoubtedly in transition where Diaz is at his most dangerous, as it gives him the opportunity to show off his best traits as a footballer.
As we approach the final month and a half of the season, it's been quite the ride for us Liverpool faithful.
In what was supposed to be mostly a season of embedding new players in, has turned into a genuine title challenge, with the possibility of a treble. There's no doubt, everyone involved at the club needs to bring their absolute A-game. However, for players like Lucho, who could prove the difference between glory and heartbreak at the end of the season, this will mean much more.