Liverpool have struggled to replace the irreplaceable energy of Sadio Mane, but Virgil van Dijk believes Arne Slot may have found a solution with Luis Diaz.
Diaz was sensational in Liverpool’s recent clash with Bayer Leverkusen, where Slot moved him into the No. 9 role, allowing him to score his first hat-trick for the club.
The Colombian forward, now Liverpool’s joint-top scorer with Mohamed Salah on nine goals, showcased shades of Mane in his dynamic performance.
Mane was known for his versatility in Liverpool’s attack, and Diaz is proving he can be just as impactful, adapting seamlessly to different positions and making his presence felt across the front line.
“Yeah, I think we’ve seen that over the last couple of years with Sadio playing as a No 9 and drifting in different positions, so I think the players can do damage everywhere,” said the Liverpool skipper.
“Obviously for him, I’m very pleased for him to get this first Champions League hat-trick of his career.
“His first goal was quality all over. It was an amazing ball from Curtis [Jones] and a fantastic finish.
“I think he’s an amazing player, like the rest of the guys.”
Van Dijk added: “I think we have quality players, first and foremost.
“Obviously the manager makes the decision who’s going to play and everyone has to be ready to make an impact in a positive way.
“That’s what the manager expects from us and that’s what we as players expect from ourselves as well.”
Liverpool have maintained a perfect record in the Champions League, winning four out of four games, and they currently sit atop the Premier League.
However, Virgil van Dijk insists that no one at Anfield is making any predictions about potential titles or trophies.
He emphasizes that the team is focused solely on continuous improvement and preparing to face Aston Villa at Anfield in their upcoming fixture.
“Based on the results, we’re doing very well,” said the centre-half.
“But we’re definitely going to let others do the talking. I think there’s no point in me making statements because I know how it works in this world.
“We’re happy, but we want to be happy at the end of the season.
“It’s all about working each and every day to get better in things that we have to improve because there are still so many things where we could improve.
“We all know that as players and I think the manager is also key and is showing that as well.
“We’re still a work in progress.”
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