Luis Diaz plea made by Colombian media with Liverpool star backed to overcome 'embarrassment'

Colombia manager Nestor Lorenzo has been advised to build his side around Liverpool forward Luis Diaz after failing to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar.

The South American side failed to qualify for the World Cup after finishing sixth in the 10 team CONMEBOL qualification featuring the likes of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.

Colombia's failure to qualify led to a change of manager and now questions are being asked what Lorenzo should do with his side in order to not miss out on the a major tournament again.

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Colombian stars of the past, James Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado, are still being deployed in the starting XI and cries for the team to be built around Diaz have been made.

Journalist Carlos Gonzalez told Marca Colombia : "I think it’s great that James played well against Guatemala and that he can help the national team at this very difficult stage, but Nestor Lorenzo can’t lose focus.

"His national team must have a point of reference around which the rest of the team must revolve and that is none other than Luis Diaz. The current Liverpool player is going to be the star of this team in the coming years, and he will reach his peak in 2026, when he will be 29 years old, the best age for a footballer without any doubt.

"All his effort should be put into making a national team that revolves around Luis Diaz. The failure of not being in Qatar now should serve as a lesson for him not to repeat the same mistakes.

"The embarrassment of this qualification campaign should not happen again. It would be unforgivable. And that success means betting on Luis Diaz, although James will continue to play a role if he recovers his best level, but the craque is now Lucho."

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