The Liverpool star is quickly becoming ‘the next Diaz’ ​​at Anfield

If Liverpool had been sent to the London Stadium now, the calls for Arne Slot to be sacked would have risen a few decibels, louder than the din that followed successive Anfield defeats to PSV Eindhoven and Nottingham Forest.

But Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over the Hammers in the Premier League, with Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo sealing a much-needed three points for the struggling Redmen.

Yet the Merseyside side have left much to be desired this season, lacking all of the balance and confidence of last year as Slot was crowned king in his first year in charge.

So much has gone wrong, and upcoming league matches against Sunderland and Leeds United will determine whether a full-blown crisis has been averted.

Much more is needed. Players like Florian Wirtz and Isak are starting to show signs of world-class quality, but FSG must be feeling pretty sad about their decision to sell Luis Diaz and choosing not to seal a like-for-like replacement for the Colombian winger.

How Luis Diaz has fared since leaving Liverpool

In fairness, Diaz was about to enter the penultimate year of his Liverpool contract, and there were no signs of resolution. The Reds banked a cool £66.5 million.

However, the 28-year-old’s blistering performances in Germany this season have underlined the dimension Slot has lost on the left channel. Plus, let’s not forget that Diaz played a lot of football as a makeshift number nine last year.

Bayern scores a lot of goals and is the dominant force in the Bundesliga. However, Diaz is impartial about who he picks, having also performed immensely in the Champions League.

His prolificacy propelled him to a place at the top table, combining his athleticism and electricity with a newfound acuity in front of goal.

It reminds us that the grass is not always greener. Diaz will have no regrets over his summer move, but Liverpool desperately lack his speed, energy and powerful threat.

And now, FSG risks losing its next version of the versatile striker.

Liverpool star could be ‘the next Diaz’

Liverpool have opted not to directly replace Diaz this summer, hoping to keep the route to Rio Ngumoha’s first team clear.

But Diaz is an elite player and he’s not easy to replace. Perhaps some Liverpool supporters regret their frustrations directed at him last season, with clinical performances building up throughout the year.

History could repeat itself with Alexis Mac Allister, who has been described by John O’Sullivan, a big Liverpool fan, as “the next Diaz”, as he is being hounded by some segments for his performances this year.

While it’s true that the Argentine “superstar”, as pundit Joe Cole called him, has been in turmoil this season, he is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, instrumental to the club’s success since arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023.

Few know the basics of midfield play like Mac Allister, who is combative, creative and cerebral in his performance in the engine room. He is not only a steel lieutenant, he is intelligent and savvy, which sets him apart.

Fitness is temporary, as the old saying goes. Mac Allister will surely bounce back, but if Liverpool are set for a rocky road through the 2025/26 season, the 26-year-old could be considered for sale next summer, although reports suggest sporting director Richard Hughes and club officials want him to stay put.

It’s as clear as day: Mac Allister will thrive if sold to a superpower in Germany or La Liga.

And Liverpool, like Diaz, will regret their decision as they scramble to find a suitable replacement.

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