Luis Diaz became the second-highest scorer in the Premier League this season after scoring twice in Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth. Notably, all five of the Colombian’s goals were rated as big chances by Opta, which is particularly encouraging.
Under new coach Arne Slot, Diaz is making runs from outside the box that cut inside, leading to clear-cut chances. This is particularly interesting for the Colombian. Diaz's current impressive run is no longer based on inconsistent long-range shooting.
Diaz's average chance of scoring from each shot this season is 19.2%, almost double what he had in his first two seasons at Anfield and much higher than last season. The chances he is getting now are very different to what they were before.
"They were really good finishes but what's more important is what led to those finishes," Slot said. The Dutch strategist was referring to Liverpool's current style of play, with an emphasis on Diaz.
Only Erling Haaland and Ollie Watkins have had more big chances than Diaz this season. Despite still being early in the campaign, Diaz is closing in on his eight goals from last season. If he continues his current form, the 28-year-old could have his most productive campaign at Anfield.
Liverpool were linked with Anthony Gordon this summer amid intense scrutiny over Diaz's future, which may have boosted his form. He is one of Liverpool's most dangerous players but his ineffectiveness has been a major stumbling block.
"Luis Diaz's future is with us because I like what I saw. He and all the Liverpool supporters now like it even more," said Slot.
Diaz has scored 29 goals in his time at Liverpool, which isn’t a bad number considering he’s often played on the wing. But with expectations high for him as a replacement for Sadio Mane, Diaz has never scored more than 10 goals in a Premier League season so far.
Therefore, the fact that the 28-year-old has scored 5 goals after only 5 rounds says a lot. And maybe like Mane, the 3rd season will witness the Colombian striker's most explosive form.
