Former Premier League stars, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Owen and Peter Crouch have all picked out Luis Diaz for praise after Liverpool’s victory over Villarreal in the Champions League semi-final second leg in Spain on Tuesday.

Jurgen Klopp introduced Liverpool’s £37.5m January signing, Luis Diaz at half-time to get his side reinvigorated and the Colombian changed the game immediately.

However, the Reds also benefited immensely from a poor goalkeeping performance from Villarreal’s Geronimo Rulli.

Fabinho, Diaz and Sadio Mane scored for Liverpool to send them into the final in Paris as they await the result of the second semi-final game 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 v one. He came on and was mesmeric.

“His dribbling, how he unnerves defenders, his trickery… He’s a fabulous player and one of [the best], if not the [best] signing of the season for me,” Rio Ferdinand said on BT Sport.

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.”