Luis Diaz had the BT Sport pundits weak at the knees after the Liverpool winger saved their quadruple hopes against Villarreal.
The Reds booked their place in their third Champions League final in five years on Tuesday night. Villarreal proved tougher opponents than many had expected after Liverpool steamrolled through the first leg.
Indeed, Liverpool were two goals down and level on aggregate at half-time. Klopp’s men were in desperate need of inspiration and they found it through Luis Diaz from the bench.
The Colombian’s energy and attacking threat immediately got Liverpool on the front foot. End product was also present with Diaz notching Liverpool’s second on the night to effectively put the tie to bed.
And speaking on BT Sport after the match, pundits Rio Ferdinand, Michael Owen and Peter Crouch all waxed lyrical about the January signing.
Firstly, Ferdinand put Diaz in the frame for signing of the season – despite the fact he only arrived three months ago.
“Diaz was the difference maker,” said Ferdinand. “His ability to go one v one… He came on and was mesmeric.
“His dribbling, how he unnerves defenders, his trickery… He’s a fabulous player and one of – if not the – signing of the season for me.
“His team-mates love him and the energy he’s giving off.”
Luis Diaz doing what no others have – Owen
Owen was equally taken aback by Diaz and claimed that Klopp must now make him a regular starter for Liverpool.
Owen said: “I’ve never seen a guy come in and hit the ground running like him.
“To pick up the way Liverpool play straight away like he has is incredible. And now there is no question about it, he’s a starter.”
Fellow ex-Liverpool striker Peter Crouch rounded out the praise by describing Diaz as a “complete game changer”. He also concurred with Owen’s sentiment about Diaz starting matches from now on.
“Luis Diaz changed the game,” said Crouch.
“He was fantastic as soon as he came on. A complete game changer.
“To come out and play the way they did in the second half – they are deservedly in the final. They are on the verge of greatness. There are legends all over this football club and this lot are right up there with them.”
Concluding that Diaz must start in the final, Crouch added: “In the final, he starts.
“He’s come in and invigorated the whole dressing room.
“I spoke to Jurgen Klopp about him and he says he enjoys his football every day.”
