Lamine Yamal’s success down Barcelona’s right wing was perhaps the single biggest silver lining of the team’s 2023-24 season. Over the course of the campaign, the young phenom developed into a bonafide starter and will retain his position next season.
A relative void in attack, however, was noticeable on the team’s left flank where none of the manager’s options truly succeeded. Joao Felix and Ferran Torres could not maintain their step through the season while Raphinha impressed to some extent.
The Brazilian international, traditionally a right-winger by trade, did well to cover on the left but the board prioritise the signing of a natural left-winger this summer.
Word has it that Luis Diaz is one of the prime targets and that Raphinha could be sacrificed for the same.
What does Diaz offer?
During both his stints at Porto and Liverpool, Diaz has been known as an explosive player who operates down the left wing as his natural niche. Being a right-footed left-winger is indeed unconventional but a perk that only spices up the 27-year-old’s profile.
Deco’s ‘dream’ target. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
The Liverpool star’s single-greatest prowess on the ball is his dribbling, close control on the ball and ability to provide bursts of pace on the counter-attack.
Diaz has a special ability to alter his speed on the ball at the drop of the hat, bamboozling defenders and creating spaces in defence.
More importantly, Diaz has a strong presence in the box. For starters, he makes incisive runs into the box and finds himself in good positions to score goals. His composure in front of goal only adds to his profile.
Worth the price being paid?
Roping Diaz in almost forces Barcelona to part ways with Raphinha for next season, and it thus becomes imperative to understand the sacrifice being made and how the new candidate weighs up.
The Liverpool star recorded eight goals and five assists for his side in the Premier League last season while Raphinha…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/analysis-would-barcelona-benefit-from-replacing-raphinha-with-luis-diaz/
Author : Adithya Eshwarla
Publish date : 2024-06-08 08:15:00
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