The 25-year-old, who joined Liverpool from Porto in January for an initial £37.5 million, has made such a significant impact that he may start in the Champions League final in Paris later this month.

His rise is extraordinary considering his origins in La Guajira, one of Colombia’s most underdeveloped regions, where in 2019 the death rate from malnutrition for children under five among the indigenous Wayuu people—of which Díaz is a part—was nearly six times the national average.

As a malnourished child in the small village of Barrancas, Díaz would watch coal trains pass by, much of it destined for Europe. Little did he know that he would one day head to that same continent and make a remarkable mark in football.

Díaz, who was seen by his younger brother Jesus, was moved to tears at the end of Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Villarreal in the Champions League semi-final, having come on at half-time to deliver a standout performance and secure a 5-2 aggregate victory.

When asked about his source of self-belief, Díaz told UEFA’s YouTube channel: “It comes from La Guajira. It’s rooted in my origins. I always played football in my town, in my homeland.”

“They are part of who I am; they’ve shaped many of the qualities I possess today, and I’ve grown significantly as a player. That’s reflected in my game.

“Every match is a chance to prove myself, to push for more. I understand the effort it takes and must make the most of every opportunity and every minute on the field.

“Rest is crucial for what lies ahead.”

Díaz has played more games (64) in the 2021-22 season than any other professional worldwide, and he might take part in up to six more as Liverpool pursue an unprecedented quadruple.

‘When we reach an instance of these, like a final, what has already happened is erased,’ he added.

‘We know what a final is. In a final you forget fatigue, you play, you run and you fight.’

The South American had been on the club’s radar for a while, having left his homeland in 2019 to move to Portugal.

And when Tottenham made a move in January, after Everton had failed with a James Rodriguez swap-plus-cash offer in the summer, the Reds sprung into action and had the medical in South America and signing wrapped up within 48 hours.