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Luis Diaz described as a "donkey" as Liverpool star faces fierce criticism in Colombia

-Credit: (Image: AIZAR RALDES/AFP via Getty Images)
-Credit: (Image: AIZAR RALDES/AFP via Getty Images)


Luis Diaz's performance against Colombia in its 1-0 defeat by Bolivia in World Cup qualifying was widely criticised by the Colombian press.

Colombia went into the international break with an unbeaten record after eight matches, but that is now gone after Miguel Terceros's second-half winner in El Alto.

Liverpool winger Diaz has a respectable scoring record in World Cup qualifying, with three goals in nine appearances, but that has not prevented criticism of his showing, which, while perhaps not fair, is understandable given his standing in the squad. Diaz is Colombia's most valuable player and is expected to be the player who produces a moment of magic when his country needs it.

FutbolRed handed Diaz a 6/10 in its player ratings, saying: "Another one who made an effort, who left everything he had in the altitude, ran, generated two scoring chances, but showed fatigue and did not have much help either."

Meanwhile, Diaz received a 5/10 rating from El Heraldo, which said: "Weak match. He had some attacks in which he did not decide well. He ended up running out of energy and could not weigh in."

El Colombiano said that “Diaz was not sharp in front of goal,” while Infobae said Diaz "did not make passes and his physical condition was seriously affected by the altitude at which the stadium is located".

Estadio Municipal de El Alto is one of the highest football stadiums in the world, sitting at 4,100 meters above sea level, and the reduced oxygen level at that height can affect players' performances.

Diaz on the floor during the match in El Alto -Credit:AIZAR RALDES/AFP via Getty Images
Diaz on the floor during the match in El Alto -Credit:AIZAR RALDES/AFP via Getty Images

Diaz also came in for criticism on social media, with some Colombia supporters questioning whether he should be starting for the national team, which seems a tad harsh given his decent record in World Cup qualifying up until Thursday's loss. Infobae reported that he was described as a "donkey" by some fans on social media.

Diaz's form for Liverpool has been far from concerning, with the 27-year-old having started the new campaign in excellent form. Diaz has scored five goals for the Reds at the start of the season, and, speaking at the end of September, he hailed Arne Slot for the early impact he has had at Anfield.

“As a coach, he has been spectacular from the first day I arrived and we had contact," Diaz said. "The relationship is and continues to be really good. He is very attentive to the things you need to improve but he will also praise you for the good things you do. He is a good coach in that sense. He puts together good plans for the games and you can see that reflected in our results. We have shown a lot of quality in our first few games.”