Jurgen Klopp was delighted with his team after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against Manchester City today.
The Reds went toe-to-toe with the champions despite being shorn of a number of regular starters. Liverpool actually had the better of the second-half in particular and can feel a little unfortunate not to have won the game.
And one man who was right at the heart of everything the Reds did was Luis Diaz. The Colombian should probably have scored at least one of the chances presented to him, but he just did not stop running all day long.
One highlight came when Diaz ran almost the full length of the pitch with both Kyle Walker and Rodri trailing in his wake. Somehow, having battled both City players for so far, Lucho came out with a corner for Liverpool.
The run was highlighted in commentary by Gary Neville and speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Klopp was also quick to praise the ‘crazy’ run from the 27-year-old.
“Lucho, everywhere! The run with Rodri and Walker. I don’t think you will ever see that again,” smiled the manager. “Against Rodri and Walker and the player with the ball comes out, that’s crazy.”
Diaz leaves City in his wake
This was perhaps the moment of the match from Diaz. People may wish to focus on the two chances which could have won the game for Liverpool, and that’s perhaps fair enough.
But the run against two of City’s best defensive players was a microcosm of all the good that the Colombia international can bring.
Even when he isn’t scoring, Diaz is a thorn in any opposition’s side. He doesn’t stop.
Just like Darwin Nunez, Liverpool’s No.7 never hides out on the pitch. He may miss chances, he may frustrate at times, but Lucho is always showing and always hassling.
Even as the game ticks into its last moments, Diaz is always still going, still running.
Of course, it takes more than that to play for Liverpool, though. And this run was a reminder that when he wants to take on his man, Lucho can go at the best of them.
At times this season, it has felt as though the £50m signing has been unwilling to let loose at go at his full-back. But perhaps buoyed on by the Anfield crowd, Diaz showed the best of himself today. Unfortunately, we did also see the worst of him.
This was a moment that will definitely live long in the memory, but let’s hope those two big missed chances don’t come back to haunt.
