Table of Contents
- Liverpool's Form Struggles
- Sturridge's Comments on Diaz
- Impact of Diaz's Departure
- Current Challenges for Liverpool
DANIEL STURRIDGE believes Liverpool’s performance has declined since the departure of Luis Diaz.
The former Anfield striker identified the Colombian's exit as a significant issue after their match on Saturday, which caused them to lose the top position in the Premier League to Arsenal.
Diaz was an unsung hero during Liverpool’s Premier League victory last season.
He has since joined Bayern Munich, where he has made an impressive start.
Sturridge, speaking on Sports, attributed Liverpool's struggles directly to the decision to sell him.
With Diaz excelling in Germany—scoring five goals and providing four assists in just six matches—Sturridge asserts that the winger's absence is felt in multiple ways.
He remarked: “Luis Diaz is a significant loss for them.”
“When we reflect on Liverpool's performance last year and their pressing style, he was arguably the player who set the tone in the front three.”
The England international further noted: “Szoboszlai performs a similar role in midfield with his power and dynamism, but Diaz offered something unique at the front.”
Renowned for his relentless work ethic, Diaz received accolades not only for his goals but also for his effort off the ball, which Sturridge believes Liverpool currently lacks.
Sturridge expressed: “He was tenacious.”
“Off the ball, he was always striving to regain possession, consistently pressing high. He created opportunities even when he didn’t have the ball.”
While Alexander Isak and others were mentioned as examples of industrious attackers, Sturridge claimed that Diaz exceeded them in his efforts.
He added: “Ekitike and Isak contribute defensively, but Diaz? He sacrificed personal accolades for the team's benefit.”
Sturridge feels that Liverpool’s current attacking lineup is missing that crucial player willing to undertake the hard work—the selfless role Diaz embraced every week.
He explained: “In a front three, someone has to take on the role of the workhorse.”
“You need balance: one to toil, one to create, and one to finish. At this moment, I don’t think Slot knows who fits each role.”
The former striker cautioned that unless Slot restores that balance, Liverpool may find it difficult to compete across all competitions this season.
FAQs
Why is Luis Diaz's departure affecting Liverpool's performance?
Luis Diaz's departure is seen as a significant loss because he contributed not only with goals but also with his relentless work rate and ability to press high, which set the tone for Liverpool’s attacking play.
What does Daniel Sturridge say about Liverpool's current forward line?
Sturridge believes that Liverpool's current forward line lacks a player willing to do the hard work that Diaz used to perform, which is essential for balance in the team’s attacking structure.
