After scoring twice in Liverpool's 3-0 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League, Luis Diaz became the second top scorer in the league this season. Notably, all five of the Colombian's goals were rated by Opta as big chances, which is particularly encouraging.
Under new coach Arne Slot, Diaz is making runs from outside the box to cut in, thereby leading to clear opportunities. This is a particularly interesting point for the Colombian. Diaz's current impressive streak of results is no longer based on inconsistent long-range shots.
Diaz's average chance of scoring from each shot this season is 19.2%, almost double that of his first two seasons at Anfield and much higher than last season. The opportunities he is getting are very different from before.
"They are really good finishes but what's more important is what leads to those finishes," Slot said. The Dutch strategist is referring to Liverpool's current playing style, emphasizing Diaz personally.
Only Erling Haaland and Ollie Watkins have had more big chances than Diaz this season. Although it is only the beginning of the season, Diaz is getting closer to the 8-goal mark in the previous campaign. If he maintains his current form, the 28-year-old striker is capable of creating his most effective campaign at Anfield.
Liverpool were linked with Anthony Gordon this summer amid intense scrutiny over Diaz's future. This could have boosted Diaz's form. He was one of Liverpool's most dangerous players but his weakness was ineffectiveness.
"Luis Diaz's future is with us because I like what I've seen. He and all the Liverpool supporters like it even more now," Slot said.
During his time at Liverpool, Diaz scored a total of 29 goals. That is not a bad number as Diaz used to have the habit of spreading the ball. But with huge expectations for a replacement for Sadio Mane, Diaz has never scored more than 10 goals/season in the Premier League so far.
Therefore, the fact that the 28-year-old player scored 5 goals in just 5 rounds says a lot. And perhaps, like Mane, the third season will see the Colombian striker's most explosive form.
