Jamie Carragher believes Luis Diaz really needs to step up his game. Otherwise, Liverpool could spend money to replace him at the end of the season.
Liverpool host Arsenal on Saturday night, with both teams looking to win the Premier League title this season. Arsenal took the lead, Gabriel Magalhaes scored and Mohamed Salah equalized for Liverpool.
However, Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta were unable to find a winner as the hosts each held to a 1-1 draw. Jamie Carragher is worried about Liverpool’s Luis Diaz.
Liverpool will be disappointed with the draw as their attack failed to unlock Arsenal.
Salah’s shoulders are too heavy at the moment and he didn’t get much help from Luis Diaz or Cody Gakpo against Arsenal. Diaz had just one key pass, one successful dribble and 10 successful passes against Arsenal, but failed to hit the target or register a successful shot.
Pundit Jamie Carragher now admits he is concerned Diaz has let him down this season. Carragher told the Gary Neville podcast that he believes Diaz is now a shadow of his former self.
Carragher understands what Diaz has been through with injuries and personal circumstances since his parents were kidnapped earlier this season. However, the former Liverpool defender believes Diaz needs to step up his performances in the second half of the season or Liverpool will bring in a replacement.
Carragher said: “Diaz looked a shadow of his former self after picking up a knee injury last season. He’s clearly had some family issues this season.” “I think Diaz needs to have a good second half of the season, especially on the left-hand side, otherwise I’m sure Liverpool will move for Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino in the summer.”
“So far we haven’t been able to replace them qualitatively,” he added.The Colombian has been an electric player since joining from Porto for £49m in January 2022.
Diaz suffered a knee injury last October and had to undergo surgery two months later due to poor performances.The 26-year-old has scored three goals in 17 Premier League games this season, but falls short of his best tally from two years ago.
Diaz also picked up a knee injury against Arsenal on Saturday, but hopefully it’s a minor injury.Diaz has looked hopeless on the bench and it’s clear that his performance on the field and the situation off it have affected him.
We know how good Diaz is and we hope to see him again soon if Diaz at his peak is a threat to any defender in the Premier League.
