Luis Diaz has lauded Mohamed Salah as ‘extraordinary’ after the Egyptian forward’s decisive penalty sealed a 1-0 win for Liverpool against Girona.
Salah’s second-half spot-kick ensured the Reds maintained their perfect record in the Champions League group stage.
The penalty, which marked Salah’s 50th career goal in the competition, also took his tally for the season to 16 goals and 12 assists from just 22 appearances.
No player in Europe’s top five leagues can surpass his remarkable 28 goal contributions this term.
The penalty was awarded following a VAR review, after Donny van de Beek was judged to have fouled Diaz inside the box.
Despite the review, Diaz had no doubts that the decision was correct. He paid tribute to his teammate, admitting it was a privilege to play alongside the prolific forward at Anfield.
“The penalty was sure that it was because I was trying to hit the goal and I felt when he stepped on me,” Luis Diaz told TNT Sports Mexico.
“But obviously I didn’t have in mind who the player was but he stepped on me too hard from my shin, to my ankle.
“My boot came off so I knew that it was a penalty when they went to review it so it was very clear it was going to be a penalty
“It’s crazy, his (Salah) numbers are incredible. He is an extraordinary player. A player who motivates you to play well.
“It’s good that you learn a lot from him because he plays alongside you and it’s a privilege, so I’m also very happy for him because of what he’s achieving.
“This isn’t just from today or yesterday. He has been doing the same thing for many years and several seasons so obviously he is going to continue like this.”
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