Liverpool Struggle Without Luis Díaz After Chelsea Loss

Liverpool have lost three games in a row under Arne Slot after a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, conceding a last-minute winner to 18-year-old Estevao, and have dropped from the top of the Premier League despite more than £400 million spent in the summer. The new front three (Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike) have yet to click and the team have struggled to replicate last season’s pressing rhythm and cohesion. Former striker Daniel Sturridge says Liverpool are missing Luis Díaz—sold to Bayern Munich for around £60–65m—because Díaz’s relentless defensive work and front-three pressing set the tone for the side. Díaz has started strongly at Bayern, scoring regularly and providing assists, including a brace and a goal inside 14 seconds in one match. Liverpool’s problems are compounded by injuries and tactical uncertainties, with concerns raised over left-back Milos Kerkez and the absence of key figure Trent Alexander-Arnold hindering squad balance.