Liverpool forward Luis Diaz is now only three goals away from equaling his Premier League total from the whole of last season, with the Colombian having found the back of the net five times in five matches at the beginning of the campaign.
Diaz scored 13 goals in all competitions last season but only eight of those came in the 37 league matches in which he featured. So far this season, he is scoring a goal every 72 minutes on the pitch and seems to have found a ruthless streak in the final third.
"I am calmer and happier now," he told Sky Sports ahead of the game against Wolves this weekend. "I am really enjoying the way football is making me feel. I have always felt that way, of course. I always try to enjoy it and try to play with a smile when I go out on the pitch, albeit with seriousness, knowing I have a job to do.
- 'Liverpool should have one contract priority above all else - and it isn't Trent Alexander-Arnold'
- Arne Slot aims cheeky dig at Man Utd as he gives verdict on Liverpool progress
"But it was a very difficult year. This year, I am 100 per cent focused. I have to be better. We also have to be better as a team. Hopefully we can achieve everything that we are setting out to do."
It should not be forgotten, of course, that Diaz's father was kidnapped last season. As well as coming back from a long-term injury, the 27-year-old also had to deal with that unique distraction. Now, though, he seems more settled and it should probably not be a huge surprise.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot was asked about Diaz's form during his press conference earlier today, insisting that he wasn't doing anything special behind the scenes with the Colombian.
"We train with them on a daily basis, how best to position themselves but there has been nothing specific with Luis," Slot said. "It is mainly in the last third, down to the player's finishing ability.
"I think he always had that ability to score goals. I wasn't aware he scored eight goals last season. For someone of his quality, that is not up to the standard. He has come back to his normal level. Maybe he was unlucky last year?"
Liverpool.com says: Diaz has started this season really well and the biggest difference appears to be that he is getting clear-cut chances. Whether that is by design or otherwise, it's working for now — and long may it continue.
You may also like
Wimbledon's expansion plans get go ahead as All England Club set to triple in size
Barcelona's first-choice transfer target emerges after links to Liverpool's Alisson Becker
Kylie Minogue becomes emotional on The One Show as she recalls Madonna duet
Doug Emhoff slams Trump's remarks as 'vile antisemitic things'