Braga manager Carlos Carvalhal believes Luis Diaz will become a superstar of the Premier League as he is a perfect fit for Liverpool.
Diaz, 25, penned a long-term deal with the Reds on Sunday, with Liverpool paying Porto in the region of £37.5m for his services. That fee is likely to rise, with £12.5m worth of add-ons said to be in the deal. The Colombia international has joined a side still battling on four fronts this season.
Overhauling Manchester City in the Premier League looks a tough task. But victory in their game in hand will see Jurgen Klopp’s men just six points behind the champions.
The addition of Diaz will do their cause no harm at all. And Klopp sung his praises after the deal was completed.
“We believe he has everything needed to fit into our way and adapt to the Premier League, both physically and mentally,” he told the club’s official website.
“He is a player who is hungry for success and knows you have to fight to get what you want. He is a fighter, no doubt. He’s a skilful team player who has always the goal in mind.”
Carvalhal agrees, having witnessed the winger’s skills at close hand in Portugal.
“He will be one of the stars of the league next season,” the former Swansea City chief said, per The Mail. “He was the best player in the league last season, he did absolutely fantastic, he played on the left side with a right-foot.
“And he scores goals, he’s very intense, especially in attack. He’s a fantastic player.”
Diaz the final piece of the Liverpool puzzle
Liverpool’s attacking stars have been sensational in 2021-2022. Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino are a formidable quartet.
That foursome has now grown by one and Carvalhal is adamant that Diaz will dovetail superbly with those already at Anfield.
“We all know how Liverpool play,” he added. “It’s like when you have a number on your shoes, you’re a number eight for example, and you look at the shoes and say they’re exactly my number. That is Luis Diaz to Liverpool.
“He is dynamic, fast, very strong, creative, and very good one-on-one.”
Diaz scored 14 goals and registered five assists in 18 league appearances for Porto this campaign.
Timeline for Diaz arrival emerges
The South American is currently on international duty with Colombia for World Cup qualifiers. And journalist Pipe Sierra has taken to Twitter to outline his itinerary for the next few days.
“Luis Diaz will travel to Bogota tonight and then go to Europe; is expected in Liverpool on Thursday,” he tweeted. “On Friday he’ll process the work permit and get to know Liverpool’s headquarters.”
READ MORE: Liverpool ‘confident’ of Carvalho breakthrough to avoid repeat of record-setting deal
