‘This means everything to him,’ Liverpool supporters laud the ‘game-changing signing’ Luis Diaz and are adamant that he “has to start” in the Champions League final
After Villarreal had grabbed a surprising 2-0 lead on the night courtesy of goals from Boulaye Dia and Francis Coquelin, the £37.5 million January signing came on to replace Diogo Jota at the start of the second half. Diaz made an immediate impact by repeatedly driving at the Spanish defense, displaying a high level of pace and cleverness.
Diaz got on the end of a Trent Alexander-Arnold pass to virtually kill the tie after Fabinho put Liverpool back ahead on aggregate.
As the final whistle blew, the BT Sport cameras shifted to the 25-year-old Colombian, who was visibly moved by his game-changing effort at El Madrigal.
Liverpool fans have demanded that the tricky winger start the final on May 28 after his electrifying performance.
‘It would be a big call not to start him in the final,’ one Reddit user commented in response to the footage.
‘As difficult as it is on Bobby and Jota, he’s certainly one of our finest three up top currently.’ What a wealth of possibilities!’
‘I don’t care how amazing Jota and Bobby are, this bloke needs to start the final,’ said another commenter.
‘The final means everything to Diaz,’ one fan wrote in response to Diaz’s feelings.
Since he arrived from Porto, Diaz has made an immediate impact, with Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand dubbing him the ‘signing of the season.’
After the game, Peter Crouch called Diaz a game-changer, while Michael Owen said he has never seen a player hit the ground running like the Colombian.’
Those sentiments were reflected on social media, with one fan writing, ‘What a spark he’s been.’ When he’s on the pitch, he brings so much life and energy to the team. In my perspective, this is a game-changing signing.’ ‘Did anyone know he’d be this good?’ said another Reddit user. ‘He’s always been terrific, but he’s been looking like he could legitimately become a superstar,’ she says.
In the January transfer window, Liverpool beat Tottenham to get Diaz, and one fan said, “Phenomenal signing.” ‘Thank you, Spurs.’
In response to Porto’s group stage exit, another person wrote: ‘Imagine getting a winner’s medal from a competition you were already eliminated from.’