Luis Diaz: Ex-manager ‘wowed’ by new Liverpool star after what he’s heard from Portugal pal
Alex McLeish has suggested Liverpool may have signed a “specialist on the ball” after the arrival of Luis Diaz from Porto.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted he was excited see the 25-year-old in action after what he has heard from a friend who is a “devotee of Portuguese football”.
Liverpool confirmed Diaz’s signing on Sunday (30 January).
As revealed by Football Insider (28 January), the Reds have agreed to pay an initial £37.5million, with an additional £12.5million in add-ons and bonuses.
McLeish admitted his “ears prick up” at news of any midfielders or attackers coming to the UK from Portugal.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Players coming from Portugal like Luis Diaz, wow, they are specialists on the ball. They really are good footballers.
“I’ve always liked the Wolves guys, for example. Whenever I see a player from Portugal linked and it’s a midfielder or forward, then my ears prick up. I try to find out more about that guy.
“I’ve got a mate who, for a lot of the year, goes down to the Algarve. He’s a devotee of Portuguese football and he’s watching all the players down there.
“He said: ‘Wow, the academies are tremendous.’ It’s like the skill of European Brazilians.”
Diaz joined Porto from Colombian outfit Junior FC in 2019.
He scored 41 goals in 125 appearances for the Portuguese giants before signing for Liverpool.
Diaz also has 31 international caps for Colombia under his belt.
The winger joins the likes of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota in the fight for a starting role at Anfield.
In other news, pundit claims Liverpool could strike cut-price deal for another attacker after January reveal.