Luis Diaz has been the most sensational signing from the January transfer window. There's no denying the different level of quality that he has bought to Liverpool since his arrival. He has offered healthy competition for Diogo Jota and has fitted in seamlessly into Jurgen Klopp's side. What I find so interesting is the fact that he went under the radar for so many clubs.
A player of his calibre is definitely what Chelsea needs at the moment. A carefree player who just enjoys his football. They may not be exactly the same type of player, but he reminds me of a young Eden Hazard. Just happy to play the beautiful game in the most efficient way possible. Unlike some in the Chelsea squad, he plays without the weight of pressure on his back, and it works.
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Liverpool were given a tough ride against Villarreal in the Champions League semi-final. They were 2-0 down at halftime, and Jurgen Klopp had to make a change. Something was needed to spice things up for Liverpool and get them back on the front foot. Luis Diaz was the man to do it. It made me wonder exactly what Diaz has that some of our Chelsea forwards might not. They're all as talented as him, all work just as hard, so I came to a simple conclusion that they might just not be enjoying it as much.
Playing for a Premier League side is far from easy. It's rough, fast and mentally demanding. Players in the top end can easily forget to enjoy their game. Luis Diaz has been a breath of fresh air for Liverpool and neutrals because you can truly see the enjoyment on his face. Every pass he makes, every goal he sets up, there's a big grin on the 25-year-old's face which makes it harder to dislike him as a rival fan.
Enjoying your football can be the key to unlocking serious talent. Chelsea play high possession, high pressing football, similar to Liverpool but with a different system. We do not replicate the trio in the midfield of Jurgen Klopp's team, but we do enjoy the use of our wingers/inside forwards and our wingbacks. Earlier in the season, you could see the likes of Reece James tearing it up on the right flank, enjoying his football and scoring goals as a result. His attitude seems like an exception among Chelsea players currently.
It's difficult to play on vibes in a team that demands so much. Being a Chelsea player comes with so much pressure. Coming into the squad as an outsider, there's a type of personality you need to have to change the serious atmosphere. Eden Hazard did this so well. Every time you'd watch the Belgian in his first season, right through to his last, he'd ensure that he is enjoying the game. The skills and flare in his locker made Chelsea that much more exciting for club fans and rivals. Most importantly, it made it more enjoyable for the players around him. The closest we have to this right now is probably Christian Pulisic.
In the era post-2012, the 2015 Chelsea squad was probably my favourite. It was filled with risk-takers like Diaz. Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa, Eden Hazard, Willian, Andre Schurrle etc. The chemistry was unmatched.
The great thing about Diaz is, despite the visible element of him enjoying his football, he also shares that hunger that is required to be a Liverpool player. It's a lethal combination to have. I see it in a few of our Chelsea players, but not all. Hopefully this summer, Chelsea spend on the right calibre of player with the right balance of passion and hunger. Maybe that will help close the gap.
