Who Is Liverpool's Future Star and Potential Successor to Luis Diaz?

Yahoo

02-03-2025

Liverpool's current transfer and squad planning seems to be centred around a potential reshaping of their attacking options. As Anfield Watch has exclusively revealed, the days of Luis Diaz at Anfield could be numbered, with the Colombian winger likely to leave the club as early as this summer.
One of the key reasons behind this decision is that Diaz does not fit into Arne Slot's tactical plans, as he is not the ideal archetype of a winger that the manager favours. In contrast, Slot sees Cody Gakpo as a much better fit for the role. However, while the future of Diaz remains uncertain, Liverpool's focus is now shifting towards an exciting potential replacement in the form of young winger Joe Bradshaw.
As Anfield Watch points out, the club is open to parting ways with Luis Diaz this summer. The winger, despite his explosive pace and natural flair, does not align with the tactical demands of Arne Slot's system. 'He's not the ideal archetype of a winger Slot likes to work with,' Anfield Watch states. This could be seen as the club's attempt to evolve the squad in a more structured way, with players who complement Slot's vision. Cody Gakpo, who has demonstrated better positional versatility and a more consistent work rate, is seen as a more natural fit.
Furthermore, Liverpool's academy has been producing several exciting young wingers, and one such player who has been making waves is Joe Bradshaw. The 16-year-old has been in exceptional form, particularly at U18 level, and could be poised to step up to the first team in the near future.
Joe Bradshaw has impressed many at Liverpool, both for his natural ability and his rapid development. As Anfield Watch highlights, Bradshaw is the top scorer for Liverpool's U18 side this season, with 13 goals in all competitions. His statistics speak for themselves—10 goals and four assists in just 17 appearances in the U18 Premier League, averaging a goal or assist every 98 minutes.
Bradshaw is a versatile winger, primarily playing on the right but also showing his potential on the left, where he is expected to play under Slot's system. His dribbling ability and explosive speed make him a nightmare for defenders, and his finishing inside the box is something that could fill the void left by Luis Diaz. His decisive nature in front of goal is something that has often been lacking from Diaz, who has struggled at times with consistency. Bradshaw's ability to finish clinically under pressure suggests that he has the instincts of a striker, which could make him a key player for Liverpool in the future.
Despite his young age, Bradshaw has shown incredible maturity and consistency in his performances for the U18s. His ability to perform above his age group has led many to believe he is ready to make the leap to Liverpool's U21 team. However, there are indications that Bradshaw could also be given opportunities with the senior squad in the coming months. With Liverpool comfortably leading the Premier League and potentially having time to rotate their squad later in the season, it would not be surprising if Bradshaw was introduced to first-team action, especially in cup competitions or as a late substitute in league matches.
Slot has already shown this season that he is not afraid to give young players a chance when they have earned it. Bradshaw's rapid development and current form suggest he could be among those given an opportunity to prove himself on the big stage. Given his height, physicality, and maturity, he could be well-suited to making an impact in the Premier League sooner than expected.
While Bradshaw's future in the first team is not guaranteed, it is clear that Liverpool see him as a potential long-term replacement for Luis Diaz. As Anfield Watch mentions, 'Bradshaw is already physically quite capable and relatively tall.' The winger's promising performances at the youth level, combined with Slot's willingness to promote young talents, make Bradshaw a potential fixture in Liverpool's future attack.
With Diaz potentially departing in the summer, it could create the perfect opportunity for Bradshaw to step into a first-team role, providing Liverpool with a talented, homegrown replacement. If he continues on his current trajectory, Bradshaw could become a key player for the club in the years to come.
The prospect of Joe Bradshaw stepping into the first-team setup is an exciting one. The club has long prided itself on developing young talent, and Bradshaw's rise through the ranks is a testament to the strength of Liverpool's youth system. His impressive performances this season, coupled with his ability to play both wings, make him a versatile and valuable asset for the future.
However, the potential departure of Luis Diaz raises some interesting questions. While Diaz has shown flashes of brilliance, his consistency has often been questioned, and it seems that Arne Slot may prefer a different type of winger in his system. In contrast, Bradshaw's ability to finish decisively and his dynamism could be the qualities Liverpool need to add depth to their attack.
Watching Bradshaw develop into a first-team player would be incredibly rewarding. His potential is clear, and given Liverpool's long-term focus on player development, it would be no surprise to see him become a key figure in the future. If Slot gives him the opportunity, Bradshaw could step up and help Liverpool continue their success for years to come.