InterviewLuis Diaz vows to build on blistering start to Liverpool career

The Colombian has hit the ground running since his arrival from FC Porto in the January transfer window, slotting seamlessly into Jürgen Klopp’s trophy-hungry squad.

Diaz caught the eye again in the victory over Manchester United at Anfield on Tuesday, scoring the opening goal in the latest in a growing list of sublime showings for the Reds.

The man himself, however, is confident more is to come once he’s even more settled on the pitch.

On adapting to life at Anfield, the No.23 told the club’s matchday programme: “I reckon the thing you can notice and see the most is the intensity of the game here.

“Tactically how we set up and the fact that I also have to defend might well be the most difficult thing so far. I do have that aspect to my game, though, as I spent time playing at Porto and I think I managed to pick up and learn a lot there. But I will keep on improving here as well, for sure.

“But I’m very happy and I’m delighted to be here at the club, and to have settled in the way that I have. Sharing a dressing room with this group of great athletes, as well as the manager, it’s an absolute pleasure for me.

“The most important thing for me is to help the team and to keep going in the same style that I’ve started, and to keep working hard in training just the same as ever, so I can achieve big things here, which I want the most.”

Diaz officially became a Liverpool player on January 30 but had garnered a taste of Klopp’s side when they met Porto in the group stage of this season’s Champions League.

When the chance came, he leapt at the opportunity to become a member of the German’s squad.

Diaz said: “Of course, it’s just obvious what a great institution this club is and how much quality it has, too. So I always tried to come and sign for the club.

“The manager? Incredible! That’s a single word you can use for him from the short time we’ve spent working together.

“He’s a very humble, down-to-earth person, very calm. He tries to ensure all his players are happy, and for me that’s very important.

“At the start, I think it was more about him telling me what I’ve been doing up to now. He was trying to put across to me that all it was about was for me to keep doing what I’ve been used to.

“He wanted me to know that I’d been performing very well up to now and that I should just try to keep on doing more of the same. To play my football with joy and happiness, while obviously incorporating the preferred tactical plans and instructions into my game.”

Diaz earned his first medal with the club less than a month into his career on Merseyside, starring in the Carabao Cup final success over Chelsea at Wembley.

Three more honours remain up for grabs in 2021-22 as Diaz looks to play his part in Liverpool’s push for an unprecedented quadruple.

“We know that we’re pretty much obliged to win every game between now and the end of the season and we know there’s no margin of error for us,” he finished.

“Each competition is different, each trophy is different and every game is different within those competitions, particularly in the Premier League. We’re treating every one like a final and we know what we’ve got to do.

“If and when the coaching staff need to call upon me, of course I’ll be ready and willing at all times, just like any other player that they decide to bring into their line-up.

“So, here’s hoping I can carry on in the same way, playing well and performing in the right manner so that things go well for the team. I’m here to help.”