Luis Diaz sends striking transfer message to Liverpool amid Mohamed Salah contract standoff
The Colombian forward has been in fine form this season and scored twice in the 6-3 win at Tottenham before Christmas - and he has lavished praise on an international teammate
Whatever happens with Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah at club level, Luis Diaz believes he already plays with a forward who can be "the best striker" in the future.
Colombian star Diaz is having a fine season for the Reds, and took his goal tally to 11 in 23 appearances with his brace in the 6-3 win at Tottenham before Christmas.
The former Porto man has overcome some misgivings among the Liverpool fanbase to become a crucial figure in Arne Slot's side, and a vital cog in an attack which has been led superbly by Salah this season as the Reds sit top of the pile in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Diaz is aware that there is quality elsewhere in England's top flight though, and in an interview with ESPN he has lavished praise on his Colombia teammate Jhon Duran, who has scored 12 goals in 25 appearances this season, including netting in Saturday's win over Manchester City.
“From day one that I met him, that I dealt with him and that I saw him play, I already knew the conditions and qualities he had," said Diaz. "First I said [if] this boy if he sets his mind to it can become very big, he can become history in the role he has. He can be the best striker.
"It's good that he’s living a great moment, that he’s doing well, that he’s shining in a super spectacular league.
“I’m very happy for him, we shared a lot in the national team, he’s a very calm boy. He lets himself go, but if he has to listen, he does it too.
"He’s in the process of continuing to learn like every boy, so he’ll continue to improve in what is left of his career and he’ll continue to score goals, he’ll continue to take the country high. He deserves it very much."
Diaz's words could be taken note of in the corridors of power at Liverpool should they need to add to the forward line in the summer amid ongoing uncertainty over Salah's contract and Darwin Nunez's long-term future.
Ex-Reds midfielder Dietmar Hamann recently suggested Liverpool should look into a move for Duran, 21, in the near future.
“Jhon Duran is a brilliant player and the way he plays, it always helps having a player with a physical presence up front,” Hamann told BoyleSports. “He created space up front and made a huge impact for Villa [against City] – I certainly think Liverpool need to keep an eye on him.”
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