After Liverpool's 2-0 win over Villarreal in the Champions League semi-final second leg in Spain on Tuesday, former Premier League stars Rio Ferdinand, Michael Owen, and Peter Crouch have all praised Luis Diaz.

At halftime, Jurgen Klopp inserted Luis Diaz, Liverpool's £37.5 million January addition, to energize his team, and the Colombian quickly altered the game.

The Reds, on the other hand, benefited greatly from Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli's poor performance.

Liverpool advanced to the final in Paris thanks to goals from Fabinho, Diaz, and Sadio Mane, as they await the outcome of the second semi-final match between Real Madrid and Manchester City tonight.

Diaz was signed in January to boost the club’s attack following Mohamed Salah and Mane’s Africa Cup of Nations engagement. But the South American has turned out to be one of the best attackers in Europe.

“Diaz was the difference maker. His ability to go one-on-one He came on and was mesmeric.

His dribbling, how he unnerves defenders, his trickery..." Rio Ferdinand said on BT Sport: "He's a fabulous player and one of the best, if not the best, signings of the season for me."

Michael Owen, who played for both Manchester United and Liverpool, added, “I’ve never seen a guy come in and hit the ground running like him. To pick up the way Liverpool play straight away like he has is incredible. And now there is no question about it; he’s a starter.

Peter Crouch, also a former Liverpool striker, said, “In the final, he starts. He’s come in and invigorated the whole dressing room. I spoke to Jurgen Klopp about him and he says he enjoys his football every day. ”