Luis Diaz has received a strong endorsement from his international manager, Néstor Lorenzo, amid ongoing criticism about his performance for Colombia compared to his club form with Liverpool.
Diaz has made an impressive start to the 2024-25 season under Liverpool manager Arne Slot, scoring three goals and providing one assist from the left wing.
Despite this positive form, Diaz has faced scrutiny from his home country, where some fans and pundits have pointed out that his international output hasn’t always matched his club performances.
In 2023, Diaz scored three goals for Colombia, but he has already surpassed that total with four goals this calendar year. Before a crucial World Cup qualifier against Argentina, Lorenzo defended Diaz’s contributions to the national team.
“The stars are always on everyone’s lips and are observed in a particular, more intense way,” Lorenzo told reporters, according to Red Mas.
“Three or four months ago, the issue was why he didn’t score goals for the national team, and now he has become our top scorer in the qualifiers. We said that he is going to score goals, and he is scoring them. I am not worried; for me, Luis is doing a good job. Let’s just let him flow because he does it well.”
Luis Diaz. Credit: Imago Images
Diaz’s recent performances underscore Lorenzo’s support. He has scored three of Colombia’s seven goals in their World Cup qualifying campaign, taking his international tally to 15 goals in 56 appearances. His goal-scoring average for both Liverpool and Colombia stands at 0.26 goals per appearance, highlighting his consistent impact at both levels.
While Diaz faces competition for his starting spot at Liverpool, he has solidified his place as Slot’s first-choice left winger. Slot, who had to quell transfer speculation regarding Diaz at the start of the season, has expressed confidence in the Colombian’s abilities.
“His future is with us because I like a lot what I’ve seen in the last 10 days that he’s been in,” Slot said before Liverpool’s opening game of the season in August. “He’s had a big impact on Liverpool’s seasons, and I’m hoping that he has a big impact in the upcoming season as well.”
As Diaz continues to make strides both for Liverpool and Colombia, the support from his managers reflects the trust and belief in his potential, even in the face of external criticism.
