Credit: Imago

Zak Anderton

Fri 7 March 2025 11:38, UK

Arne Slot must look at dropping Luis Diaz against Southampton if he wants Liverpool to extend their unbeaten run.

Diaz has had a mixed season so far with some of his performances being remarkable while others have left a lot to be desired.

However, as the Reds don’t have an out-and-out goalscorer to be the focal point of their attack, the Colombia international has often been used in the number nine role.

This may have worked on the odd occasion for Liverpool but it’s been made clear that he’s far better on the wing where he can run into space and send the ball into the box.

But, even though he was used on the left wing against Paris Saint-Germain, he still failed to impress which is why Slot may have to look at dropping him against Southampton on Saturday.

Diaz should be dropped v Southampton

Since Slot has taken over from Jurgen Klopp, he’s turned the German’s 4-3-3 formation into a defensively solid tactic which has allowed their attackers to push forward more.

Diaz has been the man relied upon this season to set Mohamed Salah and his other teammates up on multiple occasions and so far, he’s had a fairly decent return.

His performance against PSG, however, left a lot to be desired which resulted in the attacker getting hooked in the 67th minute.

As per Sofascore, in the time that the Colombia international was on the pitch, he had 28 touches of the ball and maintained a pass accuracy of 75 per cent.

However, he only generated an xG of 0.13 after having one shot at the goal and sending it miles off target, he also only generated an xA of 0.01.

Of the 12 accurate passes he made, none were key and the single long ball he attempted failed to reach its target.

Defensively, things weren’t much better either with the attacker only winning 42 per cent of his ground duels while losing possession of the ball seven times.

Diaz also committed two fouls and only made two tackles throughout the entirety of the clash.

Darwin Nunez should be brought in for Diaz

Darwin Nunez and Diaz have often interchanged with one another this season.

Both have been used on the left-wing as well as in striker and neither have really been at their best thus far.

However, after the Uruguay international was brought on against PSG on Tuesday, there was an instant boost of energy welcomed onto the pitch with Nunez even setting up Harvey Elliott to bag the winner.

Of course, Southampton are a much weaker opponent than the Ligue 1 outfit but it wouldn’t hurt for Nunez to be given a run-out.

Only time will tell what the future holds but for now, starting Nunez seems to be the best option for Slot if he wants to cement Liverpool’s position at the top of the Premier League table.