‘Absolutely amazing’… Gary Neville stunned by £58m

 Liverpool player’s display vs Man City today

Liverpool went toe-to-toe with Manchester City this afternoon despite fielding a much depleted team.

Having seen a line-up without Ibrahima Konate and Mohamed Salah, Reds supporters could have been forgiven for fearing the worst against City.

But after going a goal down in the first-half, Liverpool gave it absolutely everything in the second. Central to everything was Luis Diaz. Although he had two really big chances to score – and missed them – Diaz was relentless up against Kyle Walker.

One piece of play in particular caught the eye of Gary Neville, on commentary for Sky Sports. Having picked up the ball in his own half, Diaz just went at Rodri and then Walker.

Somehow making his way all the way up to the City penalty box, and then winning a corner, it was an unbelievable piece of play from the Colombian who left both opposition players on the floor. Safe to say, Neville was suitably impressed.

“He should’ve scored three but he’s been absolutely amazing in the second-half, Luis Diaz,” raved the Manchester United legend. “You don’t see many do that to Rodri and Kyle Walker one on one, let alone two on one.”

Diaz earns Neville praise

Neville was quite right on all parts regarding Diaz here. The £58m man was simply relentless in his approach. The piece of play that left both Rodri and Walker in his wake was incredible.

However, there’s little question that Diaz should have ended the game as the match winner for Liverpool.

Played through brilliantly by Salah shortly after Alexis Mac Allister’s equaliser, Lucho had almost too much time to think about it. In the end the 27-year-old just placed it too wide of Stefan Ortega, shanking it wide of the post.

Just minutes later, Diaz was in again. This was a little more difficult, with Darwin Nunez’s ball back to him coming a little quickly and a little unexpectedly.

But had he got his touch right, then Liverpool’s No.7 would have been in for an easy finish.

Two moments of real frustration for Lucho, who should really have done better with the first in particular.

Nevertheless, you can’t help but admire the way he kept going and kept going. Other players would have hidden following a couple of big misses. But that isn’t in Diaz’s nature.

Ultimately though, the former Porto man cost his team today. You just cannot pass up opportunities like the two he did today.

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Jurgen Klopp says £58m Liverpool player did something crazy which you’ll never see again’ vs Man City

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.”

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 £58m 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.