Luis Diaz scored the fewest goals of Liverpool's senior forwards in 2023/24. A look at his data reveals what Arne Slot needs to do to help Díaz score more.
Great stuff, Andrew! Interesting insight on the shots from carries vs non-carry shots.
I think a switch to a 4-2-4 (at times) with Szoboszlai moving alongside the striker, which is more reminiscent of Liverpool's 2021-22 system which Díaz arrived into and started off so well in, could also help him.
You might have hit on something regarding Jota. I looked up Díaz's goals and assists from matches in which the other forwards have appeared. It's not perfect as there is obviously crossover as Liverpool field three forwards, plus there will be lots of games when both players don't complete the 90 minutes.
But.
Díaz's goals and assists per 90 from games in which the following players also appeared:
Jota: 0.65
Nunez: 0.53
Salah: 0.45
Gakpo: 0.43
Jota is the smallest sample, but also the most impressive.
Great stuff, Andrew! Interesting insight on the shots from carries vs non-carry shots.
I think a switch to a 4-2-4 (at times) with Szoboszlai moving alongside the striker, which is more reminiscent of Liverpool's 2021-22 system which Díaz arrived into and started off so well in, could also help him.
Early days under Slot, though, so time will tell.
Thanks, Michael. Good to see you've joined the Substack revolution!
Haha how long have you been on it?
Only regularly posting stuff for a few weeks.
You might have hit on something regarding Jota. I looked up Díaz's goals and assists from matches in which the other forwards have appeared. It's not perfect as there is obviously crossover as Liverpool field three forwards, plus there will be lots of games when both players don't complete the 90 minutes.
But.
Díaz's goals and assists per 90 from games in which the following players also appeared:
Jota: 0.65
Nunez: 0.53
Salah: 0.45
Gakpo: 0.43
Jota is the smallest sample, but also the most impressive.