Virgil van Dijk has described Luis Diaz as an “extremely important” player for Liverpool, after Arne Slot confirmed the Colombian is one of his key starters.
The 27-year-old scored his first-ever Reds hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen earlier this week, impressively playing as a central striker.
With Diogo Jota sidelined until after the upcoming international break, Luis Diaz may be called upon to take up the role again when Liverpool face Aston Villa on Saturday.
The attacker started in the central position ahead of natural striker Darwin Nunez against Leverkusen, with Cody Gakpo occupying the left wing.
Although Diaz is primarily a left winger, he has featured in every Premier League match this season and is expected to continue his run at Anfield this weekend.
In his programme notes, captain Van Dijk highlighted Diaz’s importance to Liverpool’s tactical setup, stressing his value to the team.
“Luis Diaz, of course, grabbed the headlines [vs Leverkusen] with his hat-trick, but this was the sort of performance he has been delivering all season, as far as I’m concerned,” he said.
“We all know that he’s a top player, he is in a good moment and he will continue to be extremely important for us going forward, I’m sure.”
Luis Diaz’s impressive hat-trick on Tuesday pushed his season’s goal tally to nine in just 15 appearances.
Following the team’s midweek European victory, Slot praised Diaz, along with fellow goalscorer Cody Gakpo, for their contributions to the triumph.
“Not only the people in Colombia like and love Lucho [Diaz], the fans of Liverpool love him a lot as well,” he said.
“I heard many times the fans singing his song.
“And the manager likes him a lot as well – I don’t love him but I like him a lot!”
Slot added: “You all look at the goals Lucho scored and the goals Cody scored, I also look at the fact how hard they track back, how much they have to defend.
“I ask a lot from them, so that’s why sometimes we have to rotate them.
“But Lucho, for me, is a starter. And I said this three days ago about Cody as well – he’s, for me, a starter also.”
Read more: Jose Mourinho eyes Newcastle job
Arne Slot impressed by Anfield atmosphere as Liverpool eye win over Aston Villa
Virgil van Dijk wants Liverpool to sign off for international break by completing Anfield hat-trick