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James Rodriguez has lavished praise on compatriot Luis Diaz after Liverpool's 3-0 thrashing of Bournemouth on September 21 at Anfield. The win took them to the top of the Premier League 2024-25 table with 12 points from five games. Manchester City are second courtesy of inferior goal difference.
A dominant first-half performance by the home side ensured all three points for Arne Slot's outfit. Luis Diaz opened the scoring in the 26th minute after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga misjudged an Ibrahima Konate long ball, allowing Diaz to finish with ease.
Bournemouth had barely composed themselves when the Colombian bagged another goal (28'). Trent Alexander-Arnold found Diaz unmarked in front of the net, and the latter scored the second in no time.
Nearly 10 minutes after the second, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah exchanged passes before the former dispatched an accurate shot to make it 3-0 for the hosts.
Luis Diaz took to Instagram to share snapshots after the game, captioning:
"Outstanding 3 points."
James Rodriguez was quick to hop on to the comment section, writing:'
“Que jugador. Easy,” which translates to “What a player. Easy.”
The Colombian winger has been one of the brightest stars under Arne Slot's tutelage, registering five goals and one assist in six Liverpool games across competitions.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot assesses team's performance after win over Bournemouth
After a shocking defeat against Nottingham Forest on September 14, the Reds put on a statement display at Anfield against Bournemouth. Arne Slot assessed the team's performance after the game, praising the opponents while also lauding his own team's attack. The Dutch tactician said (via Liverpoolfc.com):
"There were 12 minutes where we scored three goals but I think during the whole first half we saw many of those moments. Unfortunately for us, the first, second and third didn't go in. The good thing for us was their first chance didn't go in as well."
He continued:
"Then there were these 12 minutes of one attack after another that led to three goals, which was really pleasing to see at that moment – and which we also needed because we played against a tough opponent. An opponent which showed today that even when they were 3-0 down they just kept on going, kept on going and kept on going. It was tougher than the result might look like."
The Reds will next host West Ham at Anfield in the EFL Cup third round on Wednesday (September 25).
