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Although there is definitely an element of frustration that often can creep in with him.
Hoping he starts tonight. He's been on fire of late.
VOTE JOCKY tae fix this fiasco.
What about the other sides of his game though?
Yes, if we focus on his finishing in isolation, he isn't currently doing everything we desire of him.
But the Arsenal game showcased the sort of value he brings to the side. He not only gets through a lot more defensive work than when he first arrived, but that he can do so and still contribute in attack. He was doubling up on Saka, then he would quickly be busting a gut down the line the next. His appetite for the game is huge and he has the physique and athleticism to go with it.
Diaz's goal sums up what he contributes (outside of goals) really well. Despite it being late in the game, he makes a defensive run and tracks back. Then as soon as we win it back he gets himself to the half-way line, where he then plays Jota in.
Loads of strikers stop and put their hands on their hip having made that pass - Darwin instead runs for another 59-60 yards to create an overload, which gives White a problem (so he doesn't tuck in) and it frees space - Diaz then goes on to score a goal that kills the game having made use of that space.
That won't show up in any statistics anywhere when it comes to assists etc but it is absolutely invaluable to us and if he plays as well tonight then that is a big help to our forward line, even if he goes another game without actually scoring.
Graft will get you a long way in the game.
Something, Something, Something, Dark Side
The crowd love him despite the frustration. They can see the impact he has.
He grafts and grafts… &….more than that…he is a 100% genuine threat at any stage of the game. I would wager we score lots of late goal due to tiredness of opponents that have had to deal with his runs.. That raw pace is always a nightmare for any defence. IF he adds the goals then he becomes devastating…until then…he is still well worthy of a starting berth.
For me at least.
Something, Something, Something, Dark Side
well let's hope salah doesn't go anywhere, you'll soon change your tune(s) when we're not scoring any goals.
Maybe while salah is away that'll be proven, hopefully not.
Absolutely. We don’t want to be without Mo for any stretch of time, and you are right - profligacy will now become more sharply focussed.
But Darwin does make us scoring via anyone more likely. You wouldn’t want to see him lining up against you as an opposition defender.
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