Jurgen Klopp has outlined exactly what Liverpool had missed from Luis Diaz as the winger prepares to further ramp up his recovery from serious injury.
Diaz was absent for 31 games after suffering a knee problem in October that ultimately required surgery when further aggravated on his return to training during the mid-season training camp in Dubai two months later.
Since making his return to action a month ago, the Colombia international has featured in every one of Liverpool's recent six-game winning run, including starts against Tottenham Hotspur - during which he scored a fine improvised volley - and Fulham.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp explains what has stopped Darwin Nunez scoring more goals for Liverpool
Diaz will be hoping for another in Monday's Premier League trip to Leicester City as he builds up towards a first 90-minute appearance since the home Champions League win over Rangers more than six months ago.
And Klopp has explained why the absence of the 26-year-old was so keenly felt by the Reds during a difficult season that has left them with only an outside chance of Champions League qualification.
"He's a natural player," said the Reds boss. "I love him, absolutely love him. It's unbelievable. He's so football smart, moving in the right areas, naturally defending from his position, goal threat, speed, cheeky. Very, very special player, I have to say. We missed him a lot.
"We missed Diogo Jota as well – everybody realised when he came back how good he is. Bobby (Firmino) with a little injury here and there, Darwin (Nunez is) new, which is then obviously really difficult to get into a team, especially when you are the finisher of situations. The other boys have to create in a lot of moments – we didn't create a lot or not enough, or not clear enough.
"There are a few explanations for our situation but you have to take life like it is and make the best of it, and that's what you do in football as well."
In an interview with Premier League Productions, Klopp reflected on Diaz's comeback and said: "Fantastic. We are so excited about it, we were always excited about it.
"The thing is, he was out after he got the injury in the Arsenal game – very strange game, by the way – and came back when were in a training camp during the World Cup in Dubai, so we all thought, 'Finally back.'
"He trained exceptional, absolutely exceptional, and he slipped only a little bit on the grass, felt something, kept going on, everything is fine. After training, 'Yeah, I feel a little bit. Let's see.' Another scan, out for another three months or whatever. Horrible, absolutely horrible."
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