Glenn Hoddle issues verdict on Luis Diaz display in Liverpool win

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Glenn Hoddle has told BT Sport (broadcast on 12/3; 14:00) that Luis Diaz looks to be some prospect for Liverpool and went on to name the forward as the man of the match in their win over Brighton.

The Reds have continued to put pressure on Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. Diaz broke the deadlock early on, bravely nodding the ball past Roberto Sanchez. The Brighton goalkeeper was certainly fortunate to avoid a red card as he clattered Diaz.

Diaz picked himself and continued to shine at the Amex Stadium.

It was Mohamed Salah who put the game to bed. The Egyptian smashed home from the penalty spot to double the visitors’ lead.

Shortly after the second goal, Jordan Henderson had an attempt from the edge of the box. Diaz was involved in the build-up. And after the effort was saved, Hoddle started to outline how impressed he had been by the Colombian.

“Diaz has been brilliant today, he really has. Some of the runs he’s making with the ball. Just there, he set up another attack for Liverpool. He looks some prospect, him,” he told BT Sport.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Hoddle did not hesitate to name the 25-year-old as his man of the match later on as the full-time whistle loomed.

“I think he’s been absolutely superb. The brave goal that he got early on in the first-half was excellent, but his all-round play for me, they’ve got a player on their hands. His running off the ball, with the ball, his work-rate getting back, he’s got a little bit of absolutely everything. He’s got wonderful pace.”

Diaz looks ready to step up for Liverpool amid Salah concerns

Of course, it was not a perfect afternoon for Liverpool. Salah was taken off shortly after scoring their second goal. And Jurgen Klopp has suggested that he will now be assessed due to a foot injury.

They face Arsenal at the Emirates on Wednesday. On current form, that will not be an easy game by any means. And not having Salah available would be a big blow.

However, Diaz’s form has been a massive plus for Liverpool. Obviously, they would have hoped that he would hit the ground running following his move from Porto.

But few could have foreseen just how well he would settle into life in the Premier League. He has been a revelation. And Liverpool look to be a giant step closer to being able to one day replace the front three which has brought them so much success.