“You Won’t Believe Luis Diaz’s Classy Response to Being Benched Against West Ham
**Luis Diaz Unfazed by Being Benched After Strong Performance**
Luis Diaz had no issues being dropped against West Ham, just days after his standout man-of-the-match performance against Bournemouth.
The Colombian forward returned to the starting lineup last weekend, scoring twice in the 3-0 win over Bournemouth. However, he found himself on the bench for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup match against the Hammers.
Despite a stellar start to the season with five goals and one assist in Liverpool’s first five Premier League games, the 27-year-old didn’t see any action during the team’s 5-1 victory.
Diaz remained unbothered by his benching, recognizing that manager Arne Slot needs to rotate players to maintain peak performance throughout the demanding season.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Diaz reflected on the situation, highlighting his understanding of the team’s dynamics: “It helps us maintain our level. We have high-quality players, and healthy competition is essential. Everyone gives their best, whether starting or coming off the bench. Rotation is crucial with so many games.”
This season, Diaz has only been benched once before, during the 3-1 victory against AC Milan in the Champions League, after which he scored twice against Bournemouth in the next match. Fans hope for a similar response when he returns to the starting lineup for this weekend’s match against Wolves, as the Reds aim for their fourth consecutive win across all competitions.
Diaz’s impressive start has placed him second in the Premier League scoring charts, just behind Erling Haaland, and has sparked talks of a potential contract extension through 2029.
With Cody Gakpo also vying for a position on the left, Diaz is aware that he won’t start every match this season. Squad rotation and the hectic schedule will significantly influence team selections under Slot.
In a recent pre-match press conference, Slot acknowledged the need to keep both Diaz and Gakpo, along with other forwards like Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Federico Chiesa, and Diogo Jota, satisfied with their roles.
“Playing so many games ensures they all get ample playing time,” Slot stated. “They understand that they can’t play every match unless necessary to stay fit and sharp. As long as they accept this situation—and they appear to be—it’s beneficial for us. I need to keep them alert and happy in their roles.”
