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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Jake Bayliss

'Professionalism and passion' - Pepe shares glowing Luis Diaz verdict with Liverpool

Porto defender and Real Madrid icon Pepe has sent a message to Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool about Luis Diaz.

The pair have been teammates since 2019, winning the Primeira Liga in the 2019/20 season.

Liverpool submitted an offer of £49m, including add-ons, for the 25-year-old who has been a talismanic force for the Portuguese club.

Diaz has scored 14 goals in 18 league games so far this term, placing him firmly on the Reds’ rader.

READ MORE: Luis Diaz can help solve Liverpool contract problem after Mohamed Salah comments

READ MORE: Inside Liverpool's shock Luis Diaz transfer as summer plans forced to change

It's understood that Liverpool had planned to make a move for the Colombia international in the summer but an initial offer from Tottenham altered the club’s approach.

Predominantly playing from the left wing for Porto, the addition of Diaz would provide the Reds with an extra dimension in their attacking options.

And 38-year-old Pepe has given a glowing assessment of Diaz as a teammate.

“Luis Diaz is the example of the professionalism and passion we have in playing for FC Porto, we know of the importance of wearing this shirt, and I am proud to share the locker room with Luis Diaz and others,” The Mirror reports him saying.

Diaz came to wider prominence during the summer for his impressive displays at last year’s Copa America.

Colombia were knocked out by Argentina in the semi-finals, via a penalty shootout - but Diaz did share the top scorer award with Lionel Messi, having scored four goals each.

Diaz’s performances on the international stage have seen him earn the respect of his fellow countrymen with Carlos Valederrama and Jackson Martinez both lauding his talents

“He is an impressive player, very hardworking, with great skills, has a goal, can assist and has impressive physical ability. He is in his prime and must take advantage of it,” Martinez said., prior to Liverpool's offer.

He also added: ”If this continues, it will be difficult to stay at FC Porto, someone will pay the clause easily”.

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