By the numbers: How has Luis Diaz fared at Liverpool since January transfer from FC Porto

Luis Diaz has looked like the real deal since arriving from FC Porto in January for an initial £37.5 million. With Mohamed Salah’s contract situation up in the air and the contracts of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino coming to an end in 2023, Diaz gives Liverpool something to build on going forward.

There is little doubt in my mind that Diaz’s signing was completed to put pressure on the current front three in more ways than just on the pitch. The Colombian is proof that Liverpool’s scouting network and new sporting director Julian Ward can find replacements for those key players. No player is irreplaceable at Anfield.

Luis Diaz: The perfect signing

Diaz’s form has been brilliant since arriving. He has hit the ground running and it is as if Diaz has been a Liverpool player for years rather than weeks. Yet, for all that Diaz has done, he has only shown signs of what is likely to come.

Diaz’s shooting hasn’t been completely clinical although he has certainly got in great goalscoring positions. Once again, there is plenty more to come from the Colombian, especially with more game time under his belt — which he is bound to get from Jurgen Klopp as the Reds go in search of three more trophies this season.

What do Luis Diaz’s numbers say about his performances?

The Liverpool winger has appeared in five Premier League matches since arriving on Merseyside. He has five goals in just 445 minutes of league football according to Transfermarkt. Diaz averages a goal every 223 Premier League minutes. The Colombian is yet to tally an assist, although he has come close.

According to Understat, Diaz has tallied an expected goal figure (xG) of 2.20 in the Premier League. He is roughly on target with the two figures. Diaz’s goals have both come from inside the 18-yard box, one from his right foot and one from his head.

Diaz’s expected assists figure (xA) is 0.87. The Colombian has come close to notching an assist but hasn’t benefitted from strong finishing for the chances he has created.

Diaz averages 2.2 key passes per game according to WhoScored.com. It is the second-best key passes figure and only behind Trent Alexander-Arnold’s 3.0 key passes per game.

Remarkably, Diaz has not completed a cross in the Premier League. He has mostly played the ball on the deck with short passes being the winger’s focus. Diaz hasn’t been shy about shooting in a team full of strong attacking players. He averages 3.83 shots per Premier League match, second to Mohamed Salah’s 4.3 per game.

According to Fbref, Diaz has made nine passes directly leading to shots, while making 22 progressive passes and 12 passes into the 18-yard box. Despite joining Liverpool in January, Diaz’s stats stack up well.

Diaz has been a steal for Liverpool. The Reds may have paid a tidy fee, but their scouting department has found another undervalued player other major clubs overlooked. His stats after five games are just the tip of the iceberg.

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