Liverpool's Luis Diaz replacement is finally coming

Richard Hughes Arne Slot Liverpool
© IMAGO - Richard Hughes Arne Slot Liverpool

It looks like Liverpool are finally looking to replace Luis Diaz.

Liverpool’s decision to sell the Colombian to Bayern Munich came as a genuine shock, particularly given how central he had been to their recent Premier League title triumph.

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Diaz embodied the relentless energy and attacking sharpness that defined Liverpool at their best, consistently stretching defenses and creating space for his teammates.

His ability to press aggressively, track back, and still deliver decisive moments in the final third made him indispensable during that title-winning campaign.

What made the transfer even more surprising was the lack of an obvious replacement within Liverpool’s squad. Diaz offered a rare blend of intensity, flair, and directness - qualities that are difficult to replicate. His knack for taking on defenders in one-vs-one situations often turned tight games in Liverpool’s favor, giving them an edge when creativity was otherwise limited.

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Meanwhile, at Bayern Munich, Diaz has seamlessly adapted to a new league and system. His performances have reinforced just how valuable he is, with his pace and dribbling adding a new dimension to Bayern’s already potent attack.

He has quickly become a fan favorite, delivering both goals and assists while maintaining the work rate that defined his time in England.

Back at Anfield, Liverpool are clearly feeling his absence.

While they still possess quality in wide areas, there is a noticeable drop in unpredictability and direct attacking threat.

Too often, their play lacks the explosiveness Diaz provided, particularly in isolating defenders and forcing mistakes. Replacing that unique combination of skill and intensity has proven far more difficult than expected.

It's why Richard Hughes is trying to bring in at least two wingers with pace and directness this summer. One of those players seems to be Yan Diomande, who could be the heir to Mo Salah's throne.

The other could well be Diaz's replacement.

And it could be the perfect option if a recent report about Abde Ezzalzouli being linked to Liverpool is to be believed.

The former Barcelona winger is currently shining at Real Betis with 12 goals and 12 assists in all competitions for the Spanish side this season.

A rapid and very direct winger, Ezzalzouli is averaging a goal or assist 0.78 per 90 minutes, which is a very impressive return.

What's even more impressive is that out of wingers who played at least 1500 minutes and have averaged at least four dribbles per 90 minutes, Ezzalzouli has the best success rate (63.78%).

He's a player who loves to take on defenders and has a lot of pace to burn.

But he also has that intensity that Diaz had at Liverpool.

He's won possession 104 times in La Liga this season, which is the fourth highest among wingers this season. In the final third, he averages 1.10 possessions won which is the highest among wingers in the league.

So, he provides goals and assists and on top of that he can also take defenders on, bring pace and intensity while winning the ball high up the field as well.

On paper, the 24-year-old Moroccan is the perfect signing for Liverpool.

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