From Staring At The Anfield Exit Door To Playing A Starring Role In Arne Slot's Relentless Reds..diaz Has Had A Year To Remember

LUIS DIAZ would be forgiven for football being long from his mind last Christmas.

- IAN DOYLE

After a few months in which his parents were kidnapped in his native Colombia and his father was held captive for more than a week, being together with family was undoubtedly the only real consideration.

The festive period, though, proved something of a turning point in Diaz's Anfield career. And as he prepares to celebrate another Christmas, his two goals in the thrilling 6-3 Premier League win at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon was a reminder of the huge contribution the winger has provided during the last 12 months.

Up until the Boxing Day trip to Burnley last year, Diaz had scored four goals in the campaign but hadn't provided a Premier League assist since the 3-2 defeat at Arsenal in October 2022 during which he suffered a knee injury that ultimately kept him out of action for six months.

That drought, though, ended when he set up Diogo Jota at Turf Moor to clinch a 2-0 triumph, sparking an upturn in form as Diaz accepted the increased responsibility to increase his attacking numbers, particularly given the absence of Mohamed Salah through injury for a significant period during the second half of the campaign.

Diaz developed a propensity for delivering in the biggest games, scoring against Chelsea and Manchester United in the Premier League, at Arsenal in the FA Cup and netting the goal at Fulham in the League Cup semi-final second leg that ultimately booked Liverpool their place at Wembley.