Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool wouldn't have signed Luis Diaz in January if Tottenham weren't interested in the player.
Diaz, 25, has given the Reds' quadruple hopes a significant boost, helping them win the EFL Cup final against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
Although the Colombian has scored just once in six appearances for Liverpool, his start has been praised by critics and many believe he's a perfect fit for the club.
Tottenham were keen on bringing Diaz to north London after a stunning start to the season at Porto, scoring 16 goals in all competitions.
He also impressed at last summer's Copa America, winning the Golden Boot and almost guiding Colombia to the final - losing a penalty shootout against eventual winners Argentina.
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Liverpool weren't expecting to sign anyone in January but appeared to increase their interest in Diaz after rumours linking him with Tottenham emerged.
And Carragher believes the Spurs factor is what got the last-minute deal over the line.
"The interesting thing about the Diaz signing is Liverpool only signed him because Tottenham went for him," the Liverpool icon told Sky Sports.
Carragher went on to say: "This fella could make a huge difference for Liverpool this season in terms of winning big trophies.
"If Tottenham hadn't have gone for him then Liverpool wouldn't have got him. If you think there's a player there that you want and you think you can go and get, then go and get him."
Carragher also pointed out Liverpool's injury problems. Diogo Jota has been nursing an ankle complaint, while Roberto Firmino is currently out with a muscle problem.
There will also be slight concerns about Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who've both recently completed lengthy campaigns at the Africa Cup of Nations.
"If you think about what Liverpool's team would've been like if he hadn't have been signed," noted Carragher.
"Jota wasn't a 100 per cent [for the Carabao Cup final] and Firmino's missed out, so you'd have gone into the game with Salah and Mane.
"And maybe [Takumi] Minamino or [Divock] Origi, who we know are not quite at their level, whereas Diaz is at their level."
Carragher's Sky Sports colleague Gary Neville was also impressed with Diaz's performance on Sunday, believing he's a ready-made Liverpool player.
"This is the first time I'm watching him live, it looks like Liverpool have found another one," admitted the Manchester United legend.
"His movement is really good, always challenging the space behind the defenders."
Liverpool can still win an unprecedented quadruple this season after lifting the EFL Cup, as they face Norwich in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Wednesday evening.
The Reds are currently 2-0 up in their Champions League tie with Inter Milan and they're six points behind Manchester City in the Premier League title race with a game in hand.
"I thought Liverpool were in decline," admitted Neville.
"In decline from a very, very high place. They were one of the best teams that you'll see in Premier League a few years ago when they won it.
"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."
