Should Liverpool cash in on Luis Diaz amid Barcelona interest? | OneFootball

Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz has been strongly tipped to secure a summer move to Barcelona over the past few months.

His father, Luis Diaz Sr, did not help matters by claiming that the Colombian wide man is a Barcelona fan and ‘it would be his dream to go there’.

Diaz’s underwhelming season has also made him expendable for the Reds. He has bagged just eight goals and two assists in 35 league appearances.

His output is poor for a club used to the metronomic numbers of Sadio Mane. The Senegalese forward finished his final season at Liverpool with 16 goals and two assists in the league.

Diaz’s conversion rate in the Premier League is a worrying nine percent. With the club struggling in front of goal over the past two months, his finishing has increasingly come under the microscope.

Liverpool are at a crossroads this summer. Do they sell Diaz and sign a replacement with potentially better output, or stick with the former FC Porto man?

Despite a challenging season at Liverpool, Diaz possesses qualities that make him a valuable asset to the team.

Diaz boasts an impressive 4.1 progressive carries per 90 minutes, showing his ability to dribble the ball forward and break through opposition lines. He is an electric winger who can cut through defenders.

This skill is a weapon, helping to propel Liverpool into dangerous attacking positions. His relentless dribbling creates opportunities for himself and his teammates.

With 7.1 touches in the box per 90 minutes, Diaz is always willing to get into threatening areas.

His finishing may need refinement, but these numbers suggest he is getting into the right position, and his conversion rate will likely improve.

Finding a suitable replacement for Diaz will be a financial challenge. Top-quality left-wingers are a rare commodity, and any player who can replicate this skillset will likely command a hefty transfer fee.

A potential replacement could cost almost twice as much, especially in the current inflated market.

There needs to be some context around Diaz’s underwhelming first full season. The emotional strain of his father’s kidnapping and injury setbacks from last season must have affected his numbers.

With a full pre-season to recover and adapt to the Premier League, there should be significant improvement from him next season.

Diaz’s season fell short of expectations in output, but his underlying numbers and talent suggest a bright future at Liverpool.

Selling him now would be short-sighted. He can improve his finishing and become an important player for the club.