Former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed the ‘massive’ impact of Luis Diaz could put pressure on a Liverpool midfield duo.
The 25-year-old winger has been an instant hit on Merseyside and capped off a superb fortnight with a first goal in red at the weekend.
Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor has suggested that the Colombian’s influence could turn the spotlight on other areas of the squad.
You can see why they wanted to beat Spurs to his signature, he’s a very exciting player. They now are starting to increase their squad numbers. Players like Keita, players like Oxlade-Chamberlain need to be very careful with their Liverpool careers. You’ve got Diaz, players like Harvey Elliott are coming in now and starting ahead of them. Liverpool are going to add more players like that in the summer. Players like Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain are fighting for their careers at the club.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are both out of contract in 2023 and at present, there would appear to be no new deal talks on the horizon.
This season the midfield duo have made a combined 30 appearances across all competitions, 13 of which have been from the bench.
Meanwhile, the 31-cap Colombia ace has earned an impressive 7.35 average Sofascore rating from two league outings in Jurgen Klopp’s side.
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Whilst there is no direct positional consequence of the signing, Diaz’s arrival and immediate influence will open the eyes to the possibilities of more new signings to follow.
Both Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain have suffered from regular injuries throughout their spells on Merseyside and it seems almost inevitable at least one will leave the club this summer.
In the meantime, Klopp will utilise each and every player – including the £36million valued latest Liverpool star – in the squad as the Reds go in search of an unprecedented four trophies.
