Luis Diaz, the 'worker' who makes Bayern's champions click
Luis Diaz scored an incredible goal in Bayern Munich's match against Union Berlin in November (Odd ANDERSEN) 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 they 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 workrate -- along with a penchant for the impossible -- have been key in elevating the Bavarian giants this campaign.
On Sunday, Diaz laid on two of Bayern's three goals before he was subbed off at half-time, with victory secure 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, the Colombian's impact is less clear in individual statistics but more apparent on the team.
Since moving from his formative club Barranquilla to Junior FC aged 20, Diaz has won league titles at each of the four sides he has played for: Junior, 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 AFP and other media on Sunday. "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 -- and that definitely sets him apart -- but also defensively.