Liverpool News

Klopp's Sadio Mane challenge to Luis Diaz

Jurgen Klopp has issued a challenge to Luis Diaz as Liverpool look to surpass the Sadio Mané era up front.

By Charles Cornwall

Jurgen Klopp has issued a challenge to Luis Diaz as Liverpool look to surpass the Sadio Mané era up front.
Jurgen Klopp has issued a challenge to Luis Diaz as Liverpool look to surpass the Sadio Mané era up front.
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp imposed a new challenge on Luis Diaz. The idea is to surpass Sadio Mane, who managed 120 goals in six seasons. Although much of the weight has immediately fallen on Darwin Nunez stylistically, the £64m striker is very different to the new Bayern Munich striker.

Hopes are pinned on Nunez. The Uruguayan could become the most expensive player in Anfield history if his £21m add-ons during his time on Merseyside are unlocked. Two goals when appearing as a substitute suggests so far that he is a player who will score goals as he continues to adapt to what Klopp is asking for.

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Last season

But he is another player whose continued adaptation may help offset Mané's departure. Luis Diaz's first few months at the club have opened up the possibility that he could be in for a full season for the Reds.

Six goals in last season's campaign helped during the struggle on all fronts, but the excitement around his potential stems from his more expansive performances on the left side of the attack. Diaz was very active in some of Liverpool's biggest games, coming off the bench in the Champions League semi-final against Villarreal, and tormenting Chelsea in both domestic cup finals.

The former Porto man hit the post and beat Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak before seeing an offside flag on Andy Robertson last week, but for all the flashes, it is time to turn those misses and close calls into more decisive contributions.