Liverpool have had a troubling season up to now and Jurgen Klopp can be determined to search out methods to make sure his group can qualify for Champions League soccer subsequent season.
The Reds are presently sixth within the Premier League desk and have been knocked out of the FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League over the previous few months that means it has grow to be unattainable for the membership to select up one other trophy this season as they’re 26 factors adrift from league leaders Arsenal.
Tottenham Hotspur are presently seven factors clear within the top-four race, nevertheless, Liverpool do have two video games in hand on the north Londoners, so there’s nonetheless a chance to grab that last spot within the prestigious European competitors they have been solely knocked out of earlier this week.
With 12 fixtures to go, Klopp should now do every part he can to get the Merseysiders again on observe with a determined want for consistency as alternatives to shut the hole to their rivals for prime 4 begin to dwindle.
Fortuitously, the upcoming return of Luis Diaz could possibly be the important thing to unlocking a deadly attacking risk at Anfield.
Will Luis Diaz return after the worldwide break?
The Colombian winger has hardly ever been seen this season after struggling a knee damage that he sustained again in October that has seen him miss out on 29 fixtures up to now this season.
Diaz was anticipated to return in December however after becoming a member of the mid-season tour in Dubai additional aggravated his damage and suffered a setback in his restoration which was an enormous blow for the group, nevertheless, Klopp has lastly given a constructive replace on the participant’s imminent return.
The Liverpool boss revealed in his press convention on March tenth: “Luis I hope (can beginning full coaching) throughout subsequent week.”
Over his 12 appearances this season, Diaz has scored 4 targets and registered three assists earlier than his absence and had rapidly grow to be a fan favorite upon becoming a member of in January final yr.
The winger made an prompt impression on Liverpool’s attacking prowess and performed key a task within the membership’s pursuit of a number of trophies.
The £55k-per-week dynamo – hailed “distinctive” by Klopp – ranks within the prime 15% of his positional friends throughout the highest 5 European leagues for non-penalty targets, assists, move completion, profitable take-ons, touches, progressive passes acquired and aerial duels gained, proving that he’s an enormous artistic and attacking affect on the pitch.
Cody Gakpo was signed within the winter switch window to bolster the ahead line following the damage to Diaz and the departure of Sadio Mane, Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi in the summertime.
Nonetheless, when evaluating Gakpo’s output over his brief time at Anfield with Diaz’s contributions forward of his long-term damage subject, it’s clear that the 26-year-old affords rather more.
Regardless of taking part in one much less league sport than his Dutch teammate, Diaz has outperformed Gakpo in touches (394 v 259), shot accuracy (53.85% v 46.15%), assists (2 v 0), move accuracy (80.97% v 70.45%) and take-ons accomplished (17 v 6), as per Squawka Comparability Matrix.
With that being mentioned, the return of Diaz could possibly be explosive for Liverpool’s ahead line together with his presence probably resulting in the formation of a budding partnership with the equally energetic Darwin Nunez. That is definitely a duo who may trigger chaos for opponents over the enterprise finish of the season.
