Roberto Firmino couldn’t resist a cheeky tribute to Luis Diaz after his hat-trick in Liverpool’s Champions League demolition of Bayer Leverkusen.
The Colombian star was the toast of Anfield after scoring three times in the Reds’ 4-0 thrashing of Xabi Alonso’s men on Tuesday night. Netting all three goals after the break, Diaz mirrored the audacious antics of the Brazilian, netting his third with a smart ‘no-look’ finish.
It’s something Firmino knows a thing or two about, and the former Kop No.9 paid tribute on social media declaring: “No look goal done. I saw little hand… big hug”.
Diaz responded in kind to his former team-mate, replying: “I learned a lot from you Manito..! a big hug.”
Fans were all abuzz on Reddit over the exchange with one remarking: “This club sometimes surprises me so much. I love how past and active players all adore their time at Liverpool. It’s like a big family. Even seeing Xabi touch the sign at halftime, they know it’s a special place, they know it’s a privilege.”
Meanwhile, another added: “It’s actually crazy how much joy this brings me. Bobby will always be one of my very favorites.”
Thrown into the spotlight in an unusual role as striker by manager Arne Slot, Diaz took full advantage and justifying Slot’s bold move.
Diaz was full of praise for the clear directions from the manager, saying: “The manager makes it very clear what he wants from each of us in our positions on the pitch. The most important thing is the three points so we can keep progressing in the competition.”
With his sights firmly set on the future success under the new leadership, he reflected: “Things have gone so well with the new manager. It obviously wasn’t easy for him, coming in to replace Jurgen but we have to keep going. We haven’t won anything yet but hopefully we will have something to celebrate at the end of the season.”
Enjoying the flexibility in his role on the team, Diaz added, “We have top quality players all over the pitch but I really enjoyed playing in that position. Wherever I play on the pitch, I work hard and try to help the team. I now need to go and find the match ball and keep it somewhere safe at home.”
Slot provided insight into his tactical choices, pointing out” “I only have four attackers available with injuries to Chiesa and Jota. Darwin with this fixture list, impossible to play them all. Tah one of best defenders in Germany and likes to play against target man, so we played Lucho [Diaz] there.”
He didn’t rule out using Diaz as a forward again either, adding: “If we have injuries like we have at the moment then we can play Lucho as a nine again. Last season more Cody as a nine and Lucho as 11, so that’s also an option.”
Emphasising Diaz’s importance, Slot remarked, “Not only do people in Colombia love Lucho, but they love him in Liverpool as well as I heard the fans sing his song a lot. But his manager also likes him as well!”
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports deal
