Barcelona Eye Luis Díaz for 2025: Two Potential Lineups with the Colombian Star
Barcelona have set their sights on Liverpool winger Luis Díaz as a key target for the 2025 summer transfer window. Sporting director Deco is reportedly a strong admirer of the Colombian’s versatility, work rate, and attacking quality, viewing him as an ideal addition to reinforce the frontline.
Though Díaz primarily operates as a left winger, he has demonstrated the ability to adapt to multiple roles under Jürgen Klopp, something that fits well into the flexible, dynamic system Barcelona are developing under Hansi Flick.
Here are two ways Barça could line up with Díaz next season:
Option 1: Natural Left Wing Role
In a traditional 4-3-3 setup:
Front Three:
- LW: Luis Díaz
- CF: Lamine Yamal or Robert Lewandowski
- RW: Raphinha or Ferran Torres
This allows Díaz to operate in his preferred wide-left role, cutting inside on his right foot and combining with an overlapping left-back like Alejandro Balde. His pace and dribbling can stretch defenses and create space for the central forward.
Option 2: Left-Sided Forward in a Narrow Front Three or 4-2-3-1
Front Four:
- CAM: Pedri or Gündoğan
- LW/SS: Luis Díaz
- RW: Yamal
- ST: Lewandowski or Vitor Roque
This setup gives Díaz more freedom to drift centrally and play closer to goal, using his creativity and shooting in tighter areas. He could link up with the attacking midfielders and contribute as a second striker when needed.
Conclusion:
Luis Díaz’s adaptability and flair could provide Barça with much-needed width, depth, and unpredictability in attack. If the transfer materializes, he would be one of the marquee signings of the summer and a key piece in Flick’s tactical puzzle.
Luis Díaz at Barcelona: Tactical Flexibility and Attacking Options
Luis Díaz is most dangerous when deployed on the left wing, where he thrives by making explosive diagonal runs into central areas, often dragging defenders out of position and creating space for others. His directness, pace, and flair can inject a much-needed spark into Barcelona’s left side.
His arrival would not only enhance the team’s width and penetration, but also allow Hansi Flick to experiment with new dynamics in the frontline.
Option 2: Díaz as a Centre-Forward?
Though not a traditional No. 9, Díaz has shown he can operate centrally when required, especially in fluid frontlines. Under Flick, Barcelona could experiment with him as a false nine or mobile striker, particularly in matches where mobility and pressing are key.
Possible Lineup (4-3-3):
- LW: João Félix or Ferran Torres
- CF: Luis Díaz (false 9)
- RW: Lamine Yamal or Raphinha
This setup could:
- Allow Raphinha to shift slightly inward, functioning almost as a second striker or advanced playmaker.
- Maximize pressing intensity, with Díaz leading the high press.
- Create a fluid, interchangeable attack, ideal for unlocking compact defenses.
A Strategic Fit for Flick
- Díaz’s versatility gives Flick the tactical flexibility to rotate roles mid-game, switching between traditional wingers and a more narrow, interchanging front three.
- His work rate off the ball would also complement Flick’s high-intensity system.
- With Raphinha freed up to dictate play centrally and Díaz stretching defenses, Barcelona could become far more unpredictable and dangerous in the final third.
Luis Díaz’s Central Role: A Tactical Option for Flick at Barcelona
Though traditionally a left winger, Luis Díaz has increasingly been deployed as a striker for Liverpool in the 2024/25 season, especially to accommodate Cody Gakpo on the left. This tactical shift has shown Díaz’s growing adaptability, and it’s something Barcelona manager Hansi Flick could tap into.
While not a natural No. 9, Díaz’s sharp movement, pressing ability, and knack for finding goal-scoring positions make him a viable option as a central forward—particularly in a fluid attacking system.
Option 2: Díaz as a Striker, Raphinha on the Left
Possible Lineup (4-2-3-1):
- LW: Raphinha
- CAM: Dani Olmo
- RW: Lamine Yamal
- ST: Luis Díaz
Why it works:
- Raphinha returns to his favored left-wing position, where he can cut in and create.
- Díaz, playing centrally, can pull defenders out of shape, creating space for midfield runners.
- Dani Olmo, who thrives in tight spaces and linking play, becomes the creative engine behind the front three.
- The trio can rotate positions during games, maintaining unpredictability and movement.
Deco on Díaz (and Rashford):
“We like Luis Díaz and Rashford but can’t talk about players under contract – we have to look for another goalkeeper.”
(Tribuna.com)
This cautious response from Deco shows that interest is real, but Barcelona remain respectful of ongoing contracts. Still, the club clearly sees value in a player like Díaz—versatile, hard-working, and capable of filling multiple roles in attack.
Conclusion:
If signed, Díaz wouldn’t just be a winger for Barcelona—he’d be a dynamic, multi-positional weapon. Whether stretching the pitch on the left or disrupting defensive lines through the middle, his presence would give Hansi Flick the tactical flexibility to adapt based on opposition and game state.
