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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jake Polden

Gary Neville's two observations after seeing Luis Diaz in person for the first time

Gary Neville made two observations after seeing Luis Diaz in action for the first time - one, he has superb movement, and two, Jurgen Klopp has done it again.

Liverpool new boy Diaz started in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday afternoon alongside Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah in attack.

It was the 25-year-old's sixth appearance in all competitions for the Reds and the first time Sky Sports pundit Neville got a good look at the striker up-close, following his £37million January switch from Porto.

And it's safe to say Neville was impressed with what he saw from Diaz, who eventually made way for Divock Origi in the first half of extra time before Liverpool beat Chelsea 11-10 on penalties.

Gary Neville made two observations after seeing Luis Diaz in action for the first time (Sky Sports)

"This is the first time I'm watching him [Diaz] live, it looks like Liverpool have found another one," said Neville on Sky Sports. "His movement is really good, always challenging the space behind the defenders."

Liverpool won the Champions League in 2019 before going one better domestically and lifting the club's first-ever Premier League title in 2020.

Since then, Klopp and co. have found trophies harder to come by, but Sunday's Carabao Cup win means Liverpool have won even more silverware under their German boss.

And things could get better too, with Liverpool still very much competitive in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League this season.

Neville was unsure whether Liverpool would be able to sustain their high standards following the 2020 title win, but after Sunday's victory, he admits the Reds are still very much among the elite.

"I thought Liverpool were in decline. In decline from a very, very high place," Neville added. "They were one of the best teams that you'll see in Premier League a few years ago when they won it.

Luis Diaz in action for Liverpool against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final (REUTERS)

"What I think they've done is dip off that level a little bit, but now it feels like they're coming back and they could have an incredible season this year.

"They could go on to win the Premier League, they're still in the Champions League, they've obviously got a trophy to play for today - I think the winner of this trophy today will be in good stead for the rest of the season."

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