Pundit shares ‘massive’ Sadio Mane claim after Liverpool source’s new reveal
Noel Whelan has backed Luis Diaz to become the “leader” of the Liverpool attack upon his return from injury.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 25-year-old has filled the void left by departed superstar Sadio Mane.
Football Insider revealed on Sunday (31 October) that Liverpool expect Diaz to be back earlier than initially expected from his knee injury.
It is understood that the Merseysiders expect the winger to be able to play a full part in their mid-season training camp in Dubai during the World Cup ahead of a potential return to action after Christmas.
Diaz was one of Liverpool’s standout performers prior to his injury on 9 October, registering four goals and three assists in 11 appearances.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have slipped to ninth in the Premier League since the Colombian international’s injury.
Whelan claimed the German is under an unprecedented amount of “pressure” at Anfield.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s a massive plus for Liverpool.
“He was the one player who filled that gap left by Mane.
“We’ve seen the impact he’s had already, even this season. He’s fantastic to watch – he creates, he scores, and he’s busy.
“Right now Liverpool need all the help they can get. Jurgen Klopp is under pressure, and he’s not been through this during his time at the club.
“They’re going through a really bad patch, and they need players like Diaz back to give them that help.
“He can be that leader across the front three. When he plays, Liverpool are a better side.”
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