Liverpool star’s performances means Diaz replacement sorted

Wirtz emergence reshapes Liverpool’s left side after Diaz exit

Liverpool’s decision to move on from Luis Diaz was never designed to trigger an immediate like-for-like replacement. Internally, the club viewed the Colombian’s departure as a structural reset rather than a reactive problem to solve in the market. Diaz wanted a fresh challenge, Liverpool were open to it, and the consensus was that existing solutions could be adapted rather than replaced outright.

Initially, that responsibility fell to Cody Gakpo. The Dutch forward was trusted as the primary option from the left, while a promising academy pathway was also explored. Yet as the season has unfolded, it has become increasingly clear that Liverpool’s most effective answer may not have been planned at all. Instead, it has emerged organically through the repositioning of Florian Wirtz.

What was once a temporary solution is now being viewed as a potentially defining tactical shift.

Photo IMAGO

Diaz departure left questions rather than urgency

Diaz’s exit created a stylistic vacuum more than a numerical one. His ability to isolate full-backs, drive aggressively into space and stretch defences horizontally had been a key feature of Liverpool’s attacking balance. However, the club believed that system evolution under a new head coach would reduce reliance on that specific profile.

Gakpo was expected to offer control rather than chaos. His strengths lie in ball retention, shooting from central channels and linking play rather than repeatedly beating his man on the outside. That approach brought periods of stability, but also predictability. Opponents quickly learned to compress space, forcing Liverpool’s left side into safe but blunt patterns.

At the same time, academy options were carefully managed rather than overexposed. The result was a left flank that functioned without ever fully threatening, particularly against deep defensive blocks.

That context matters when assessing why Wirtz’s redeployment has resonated so quickly.

Wirtz role unlocks tactical flexibility

Wirtz arrived as a central attacking reference point, capable of operating between lines and dictating tempo. What Liverpool have discovered is that his intelligence translates seamlessly to the left channel. Rather than hugging the touchline, Wirtz drifts inside and outside as phases demand, creating constant dilemmas for opposing defences.

His positioning allows Liverpool to maintain numerical superiority in midfield while still threatening wide areas. When paired with an overlapping full-back, the left side suddenly becomes fluid rather than rigid. Wirtz can carry the ball, combine in tight spaces or arrive late in the box, all without sacrificing structure.

Statistically, the impact has been immediate. High involvement in build-up, consistent chance creation and a notable increase in successful take-ons highlight a player thriving with added freedom. Importantly, his workload reflects a winger who influences every phase rather than one waiting for isolated moments.

This is not Diaz reborn, but it is a functional alternative that fits the current squad profile.

Gakpo adaptation within evolving system

Gakpo’s role has not diminished as much as it has changed. Rather than being the default option on the left, he is now used more selectively, often in fixtures where his physicality and direct shooting threat are better suited. This rotation has benefited both player and team.

With Wirtz providing unpredictability, Gakpo can be deployed in situations that maximise his strengths rather than exposing his limitations. The balance between the two has allowed Liverpool to vary their attacking approach without wholesale tactical shifts.

Crucially, this flexibility aligns with the broader vision of a squad built around adaptable profiles rather than rigid specialists. The coaching staff see value in interchangeable roles, particularly across the front line, where opposition scouting has become increasingly detailed.

Long-term implications for Liverpool attack

What began as a short-term adjustment is now influencing long-term planning. Liverpool are not actively searching for a Diaz clone because they no longer believe one is essential. Wirtz’s success from the left has altered recruitment priorities, shifting focus towards complementary profiles rather than direct replacements.

That does not mean every opponent will be suited to this approach. There will be matches where a more traditional winger is required, and Gakpo will remain central to those plans. However, the evidence suggests that Liverpool have found a solution that blends creativity, control and threat in a way that suits the evolving Premier League landscape.

The key takeaway is strategic rather than tactical. Liverpool did not panic after Diaz left. They trusted the squad, allowed roles to evolve, and have been rewarded with a more versatile attacking structure. If Wirtz continues to develop in this role, the conversation will move away from who replaced Diaz and towards how Liverpool quietly redefined the position altogether.