John Barnes believes Luis Diaz could fill Mohamed Salah’s spot at Liverpool ‘tomorrow, if necessary’ and would be a better replacement than West Ham star Jarrod Bowen.
The Reds’ January signing made his debut in Liverpool‘s 3-1 FA Cup victory over Cardiff City, later going on to play the full 90 minutes in his side’s 2-0 victory over Leicester City in the Premier League.
The Colombian has racked up a total of 153 minutes of game time for Jurgen Klopp‘s side so far, and Barnes already believes the winger has already demonstrated he could slot into Salah’s place should the Egyptian leave.
Speaking to BonusCodeBets ahead of this weekend’s Premier League action, the former Liverpool star said: “Nobody can tell when Luis Díaz might find himself starting for this Liverpool side, because you never know what could happen with Mohamed Salah [if he were to leave].
“It could be next season; it could be two. But Luis Díaz certainly has the quality to get into this Liverpool side tomorrow, if necessary.
“Liverpool will make sure that when he does [get into that starting eleven], that he’s ready and able to cope.”
It’s been widely reported that Liverpool are big admirers of West Ham’s rising star and winger Jarrod Bowen, with reports that the Hammers man could be recruited in order for Liverpool to replenish their attacking ranks alongside Diaz if required.
However, Barnes says that whilst Bowen is talented, Diaz would prove to be a more suitable substitute should Mohamed Salah opt not to extend his time at Anfield.
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“Jarrod Bowen is playing for a team [West Ham] that are in the top four or five in the Premier League,” Barnes explained. “So he’s playing at the very top – as of right now.
“He needs time to develop; he’s in his first real season playing for a better side.”
He continued: “Bowen’s never going to sign for Liverpool and replace Mohamed Salah. He is a different type of player to Mo.
“He isn’t going to score 30 goals a season, that’s not what Jarrod Bowen does.
“In terms of his talent, can he play at big top five club? Absolutely.”
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