Arne Slot says he may move Luis Diaz's position again despite stunning Liverpool hat-trick
Colombia star Luis Diaz was Liverpool's hero in their comprehensive victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, scoring a hat-trick in the Reds' 4-0 win
by Chris McKenna · The MirrorArne Slot hailed hat-trick hero Luis Diaz as Liverpool roared to the top of the Champions League table on Tuesday night.
Diaz bagged three with Cody Gakpo getting the other in a four-goal thrashing of returning hero Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen. Liverpool are now top of the Premier League and the Champions League as Slot enjoys a record-breaking start to life at Anfield.
Diaz starred here in a central role in the Reds’ attack to maintain their 100 per cent start to their European campaign after four games. The Dutchman said: “If we have injuries like we have at the moment then we can play Lucho [Diaz] as a nine again.
“Last season more Cody as a nine and Lucho as 11, so that's also an option. Not only do people in Colombia love Lucho, but they love him in Liverpool as well as I heard the fans sing his song a lot. But his manager also likes him as well!”
Slot is the first manager to arrive into the Premier League and win 14 of his first 16 games in all competitions. Now expectations are growing on the Kop boss after their stunning start at home and abroad.
He said: “We want to be where we are now and compete for everything. “If you work here or play here you have to accept there is pressure, but on the other side you can enjoy special evenings and enjoy it.
“Saturday [against Brighton ] was impressive atmosphere, tonight was even more impressive.”
Will Arne Slot bring silverware to Anfield this season? Have your say in the comments section
It was a nightmare return to Anfield for Alonso as his side suffered just their third defeat in 69 games but they were hammered in the second half.
Alonso admitted his side struggled with the atmosphere at the stadium he graced as a midfielder for five years from 2004 to 2009.
The Leverkusen boss said: “The Liverpool players feel it. To defend in those moments it is not easy.”
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