Liverpool player poised to become the ‘main man’ after Mohamed Salah leaves

Liverpool has long anticipated the day when Mohamed Salah might leave, but it seems a successor is already emerging at Anfield. Although Salah’s future remains uncertain, it has been suggested that a new key player is ready to step up when the time comes.

Since the beginning of the Arne Slot era, Salah has quickly demonstrated his value, being instrumental in Liverpool’s first three Premier League matches with three goals and three assists.

Though his form has been quieter recently, he has made a strong case for a contract extension, which sporting director Richard Hughes will need to address alongside the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.

Despite the uncertainties surrounding contracts, Liverpool has promising talents ready to emerge. While losing Salah would be significant, Troy Deeney believes that the future star is already within the squad.

In his BBC Team of the Week, Deeney praised Luis Diaz, noting that only Erling Haaland has scored more goals than him at the start of the season, including a standout performance against Bournemouth.

“On the right [sic] for Liverpool he was the best player on the pitch by a country mile,” Deeney remarked. “I appreciate this is a massive statement, but it made me think if Liverpool do let Mohamed Salah go, he could take over as the main man.”

Deeney highlighted Diaz’s versatility, enthusiasm, and impressive goal-scoring, comparing him to a peak Sadio Mane, who once rivaled Salah for acclaim at Liverpool. However, doubts about Diaz’s consistency remain, and more performances are needed to confirm he can be a world-class winger.

Salah serves as a reminder that players develop at different paces; he himself was a late bloomer. Given the advancements in sports science, Diaz, at 27, might just be on the brink of his prime. He could even end up replacing Salah directly, as Deeney suggests, referencing how Mane initially played on the right before Salah’s arrival.

Whether Diaz takes over the right wing or shares the attacking load, he is showing signs of being ready to step up when Salah departs. This is commendable praise.

Hughes should prioritize a new contract for Diaz, who is still under the terms of a deal signed in January 2022. If he’s being considered as the new “main man,” his contract should reflect that.

Liverpool.com expresses hope that Slot can continue to utilize both Salah and Diaz, who have formed a potent partnership early in the season. Even if Salah stays for now, having another key player alongside him would significantly enhance Slot’s chances of success at Liverpool.