Luis Diaz got his career at FC Bayern München off to a flying start, bagging a goal on his debut and helping his side to a 2-1 win over Stuttgart, while also getting his hands on his first piece of silverware since joining the club, the German Super Cup. A fine start, to say the least.
After three years plying his trade at Liverpool, Bayern paid over 70 million euros for his services. He is also a key figure in the Colombian squad, who are aiming to secure their spot at the FIFA World Cup 26™. Aside from his commanding presence on the pitch, Diaz has all the attributes of a top-class player. He is a perfect fit for coach Vincent Kompany, the mastermind at the helm of the German outfit, who has a clear game plan for his team.
Since arriving at the club in mid-2024, Kompany has stamped his authority and style on the side. His game plan revolves around dictating play by keeping hold of the ball and, above all, relentless pressing. When out of possession, Bayern are always looking to win the ball back as quickly as possible, and once they have it, they adapt their style of play accordingly. At times, they like to go direct. And sometimes, they prefer a more measured, sophisticated build-up. Attacking down the flanks is of utmost importance to the side, and with that in mind, Diaz is set to play a crucial role at his new club.
During his debut against Stuttgart, Diaz was deployed almost as a left-back when his side was defending, with Josip Stanisic slotting in at centre-back and Jonathan Tah moving into the middle of the park as an anchor man. The rest of the side, starting from Joshua Kimmich, were positioned very high up the pitch. They like to press high and are constantly looking to win the ball back in dangerous areas while conserving energy.
Therefore, Diaz is not only a perfect fit when pressing but also when asked to track back, something he is very familiar with for Colombia under Nestor Lorenzo, who often deploys James Rodriguez down the middle and Jhon Arias on the opposite wing.
“Luis Diaz has bundles of international experience, immense quality, outstanding skills, and he is hugely reliable, all of which will help him make an instant impact at the club. We’re absolutely over the moon to have secured his signature. Transfers like this pay off when every part of the team clicks perfectly,” said Max Eberl, sporting director of the German side.
At 28 years of age, the star forward has more than proven himself at the top level. He arrived at the club on the back of a scintillating season for Liverpool, during which he got himself on the scoresheet 17 times and provided five assists. At Bayern Munich, who were knocked out of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ in the quarter-finals by PSG, Diaz will have Harry Kane as the main focal point in attack, supported by a side full of attacking options, with the likes of Serge Gnabry on the right, and with Jamal Musiala out of action with a serious injury, Michael Olise will operate in a more central role.
“He’s full of energy and positivity. We’ve already seen what he’s got in his locker in training. We’re delighted to have signed him and we’re incredibly excited to see what he can bring to the side. It always gives everyone a boost and a lift when you bring fresh faces in,” Kompany said when asked about his new signing.
Without Leroy Sane, who has put pen to paper with Galatasaray, and Thomas Muller, who has made the switch to Vancouver Whitecaps, Diaz is primed to be a key player for the club, something he might have struggled to maintain at Liverpool with the arrival of Florian Wirtz.
Diaz scored his side’s second goal against Stuttgart in a 2-1 win. After a layoff from Kane, who dropped slightly deeper to link up the play and create more space for his side, he lost his marker in the box and headed home from six yards out, meeting a perfectly-timed cross from Gnabry.
“My aim was to sign for a club where I could continue playing in the biggest competitions. I’m chuffed to bits to be part of this side,” Luis Diaz said shortly after getting his hands on his first piece of silverware for the German side.
