Diaz is the engine driving the Bavarian goal machine
Colombian's work rate has been key to Munich's success this season
Luis Diaz has become a core component of Vincent Kompany's Bundesliga-winning side, quickly establishing himself in Bayern Munich's free-scoring forward line, as the Bavarians secured a 35th title.
With Harry Kane once again Bayern's main man and Michael Olise bewitching defenders from the right, Diaz's outstanding opening season at Bayern could easily be overlooked.
But, the Colombian's selflessness, energy and work rate — along with a penchant for occasionally delivering the impossible — have been key in elevating the perennial champion in its current campaign.
On Sunday, Diaz laid on two of Bayern's three goals before he was subbed off at halftime, with victory and the title secured, and the closing stages of the season in mind.
'He's a worker'
Throughout his career, Diaz's influence has been hard to measure. A tireless runner with an insatiable appetite for pressing, his impact is less clear in individual statistics, but more apparent on the team.
Diaz has won league titles at each of the four sides he has played for: Junior FC, Porto, Liverpool and Bayern.
And this season, his statistics have matched his importance.
The left winger has notched up 15 goals and 13 assists in 28 league matches so far.
Bayern legend Philipp Lahm, who captained the club to the 2013 Champions League and won eight Bundesliga titles in Munich, highlighted Diaz's relentlessness as a key factor behind the club's "outstanding" success this season.
"What sets him apart is that he's also a worker," Lahm told reporters.
"You have brilliant footballers in your ranks, which is always important. But you also have to work.
"That sets him apart in unbelievable fashion.
"Also, his aggression, and that he works in both directions: going forward, but also defensively."
Playing in a team full of attacking firepower, Diaz can occasionally do things few others are capable of.
With Bayern out of sorts and trailing away at Union Berlin in November, Diaz scored an incredible goal, after a misplaced pass from Josip Stanisic seemed to have ended a Munich attack.
Stanisic placed his hands on his head thinking the ball had gone out of play, but Diaz slid across the grass to keep the ball in play before unleashing a rocket from an impossible angle to level the score.
Later named goal of the month by the Bundesliga and a clear contender for strike of the season, it showed a perfect blend of effort and finesse.
His 89th-minute goal against Real in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg on Wednesday was similar.
The goal put Bayern ahead in the tie, broke Madrid's resistance and effectively sealed his side's place in the semifinals.
Speaking after the match, Diaz said the goal was "in the top three, if not No 1" of the those he had scored during his career.
Missed by Liverpool
And as with all key players, Diaz's importance is also illustrated by his absence, with Liverpool clearly missing the Colombian's impact.
While Diaz was popular with players and fans alike, the 28-year-old's departure was initially seen as a win on Merseyside given his age and big price tag.
But, despite bringing in several big money signings, Liverpool has missed Diaz's energy and unpredictability this campaign, with the Reds struggling to find someone to pick up his share of the dirty work.
In his final season at Liverpool, Diaz recorded 17 goals in all competitions — his best in any full campaign in England.
Diaz could also win a first Champions League title, having lost the 2022 final to Madrid with Liverpool.
"We are very focused on what we want ... to reach the Champions League final and cap off the season with a happy ending," he said.
Most Popular
- Humanoid robot races faster than human record in Beijing half marathon
- Honor robots claim top 3 spots at Beijing half marathon
- Hip-hop star J Cole signs off CBA adventure with eye-opening experience
- China fills climbing quota for 2026 Asian Games at Meishan championship
- Color Run kicks off sports and tourism season in Tianjin
- Chinese authorities condemn online abuse, toxic fan culture after Olympic gold medalist targeted






























