'A world-class footballer': Barcelona legend Xavi says Liverpool have sold a player with 'blazing speed'

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Liverpool supporters are starting to see their summer transfer business in a whole new light after a worrying start to the campaign.On paper, the Reds look fine, sitting pretty just one point off the top in the Premier League table.In practice, however, things have not been quite so smooth. Big signings such as Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak have failed to settle at Liverpool, leading to question marks over their suitability.There was always a chance that the new additions would fail to catch light immediately, but some fans are worried there has simply been too much change within the Liverpool squad.While fans universally agreed with most of the outgoing transfers, there was some push back over the decision to sell Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich.Liverpool have been told they miss Diaz, and while not all fans will agree with that sentiment, Barcelona legend Xavi has poured fuel on the fire, hailing the Colombian’s qualities as a player.Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty ImagesXavi hails ‘blazingly quick’ Luis DiazDiaz’s exit from Liverpool has begun to be seen in some quarters as the very reason for some of their struggles this season.While that does seem fanciful, there is a debate to be had over whether the Reds should have fought harder to keep him at Anfield.READ MORE: How Milos Kerkez is performing for Hungary after tough start to Liverpool careerBefore he joined Bayern, Diaz was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona.

As manager at Camp Nou during some of that period, Xavi has told Colombian outlet Gol Caracol that he did really want to sign the winger.“It was real, but the economic situation was woeful, very difficult for us at that time,” said the World Cup-winning midfielder.“It was one of the priorities for the staff, for me, when I was the coach, but it was impossible.”“The reasons are obvious. A world-class footballer capable of making a difference.

A winger with blazing speed, a goal scorer, an assist-maker and a hard worker.”Diaz proving world-class status at Bayern MunichDuring his three-and-a-half years with Liverpool, there were certainly spells where Diaz did look like a world-class footballer.He has an impressive trophy haul from his time at Anfield and was a key player in last season’s Premier League title win.AppearncesGoalsAssistsBundesliga654Champions League200DFB Pokal100German Super Cup110Luis Diaz at Bayern MunichDiaz was not always consistent, though, and his detractors will argue that it is always easier for a former player to be painted in a better light once they have left. The bad times can sometimes be forgotten.While that does appear to be happening with Diaz, it is also clear that he is performing to a really high level with Bayern Munich.Six goals and four assists in his first 10 appearances for the club is mightily impressive and adds weight to Xavi’s claims.