“A Wasteful Finisher?!” – Luis Díaz Criticism Branded “Sensational” as Ex-Bayern Star Praises Winger’s “Fantastic” Work Rate

Dieter Hoeness Hails the Colombian’s Energy, Creativity, and Influence in Kompany’s Relentless Bayern Munich Side

In a city where attacking legends are judged by the sharpness of their finishing and the number of trophies they lift, Luis Díaz is already finding himself at the center of the conversation. But not everyone is willing to join the chorus of critics who question his efficiency in front of goal.

Former Bayern Munich forward Dieter Hoeness, a man who knows exactly what it means to deliver in the Bavarian red, has come out swinging in defense of the Colombian winger. In a recent interview with Sport.de, Hoeness dismissed suggestions that Díaz is a “wasteful finisher,” describing such takes as “sensational” and missing the point entirely.

For Hoeness, Díaz’s influence cannot be measured merely by the number of chances he converts — it’s about the relentless energy, tactical intelligence, and work ethic that have helped Vincent Kompany’s Bayern maintain a perfect start to the 2025–26 season.

Hoeness Defends Díaz Amid “Sensational” Criticism

Ever since his €75 million move from Liverpool this past summer, Luis Díaz has been under a magnifying glass. At a club like Bayern Munich, that’s inevitable — especially when you play alongside the likes of Harry Kane and Michael Olise, two of Europe’s most lethal attackers.

With eight goals and five assists in just 15 appearances, Díaz’s statistical output is strong by any measure. But critics — particularly in parts of the German media — have accused him of lacking ruthlessness, pointing to several missed chances in key fixtures.

Hoeness, though, sees the bigger picture.

“Luis Díaz is extraordinary,” the former Bayern striker insisted. “The talk about him being wasteful in front of goal is sensational — in the wrong sense. His work rate is fantastic. The way he presses, how he tracks back, how he helps his full-back — that’s what makes him special.”

The 72-year-old, who knows what it takes to succeed in Munich, went on to highlight the balance Díaz brings to Kompany’s system.

“People say he misses chances. But he creates those chances through his movement, through his pressing, through his intensity. That’s not something every winger can do. The effort he puts in every game is extraordinary.”

“Fantastic” Off the Ball – The Other Side of Díaz’s Game

Hertha BSC Berlin v Benfica Lisbon – UEFA Cup

In an era where wingers are often judged purely by their goals and assists, Hoeness believes Díaz’s defensive work and tactical discipline deserve equal recognition.

“It’s sensational, especially when we’re talking about his work rate,” Hoeness said. “The way he works defensively off the ball is fantastic. You can’t just look at his finishing and ignore the rest of what he brings.”

And indeed, the numbers back that up. Díaz has averaged 6.5 recoveries per game in all competitions this season — a staggering figure for an attacking player — while ranking among the top three Bayern players for sprints and high-intensity runs.

Those who have followed Díaz since his early days at Porto and later Liverpool will know this side of his game well. His pressing, commitment, and desire to win the ball back have long been his trademarks. What’s new, however, is how these qualities are being channeled within Kompany’s high-energy, possession-based system at Bayern.

Kompany’s Bayern: A Perfect Start Built on Relentless Energy

Under Vincent Kompany, Bayern have been nothing short of ruthless. Fifteen games. Fifteen wins. It’s a dream start for the Belgian coach in his first season in charge.

Bayern currently sit at the top of the Bundesliga with a flawless record and have matched that dominance in Europe, sitting second in their Champions League group only on goal difference behind Paris Saint-Germain.

The secret behind that success? Balance.

Kompany’s Bayern have rediscovered the club’s famous blend of control and chaos — structured possession coupled with ferocious pressing. Díaz’s arrival has played a massive role in achieving that equilibrium.

“Everything seems to be clicking under Kompany,” Hoeness observed. “Even players like Sacha Boey, who were written off, are finding form again. It’s a well-balanced squad.”

Bayern’s front three — Kane, Olise, and Díaz — have combined for 54 goals in all competitions, with Díaz’s off-ball work providing the foundation for his teammates’ attacking brilliance.

Chemistry in Attack – The Kane, Olise & Díaz Dynamic

Few attacking trios in Europe are as complementary as Bayern’s current frontline. Kane’s positioning and clinical finishing, Olise’s flair and unpredictability, and Díaz’s dynamism and energy have created a devastating combination.

Díaz, often operating on the left, stretches defences and opens channels for Kane’s runs through the middle. His aggressive pressing forces turnovers high up the pitch, often resulting in immediate goal-scoring opportunities for the English striker or Olise cutting in from the right.

In short, Díaz may not be the most prolific finisher in the squad — but his impact is undeniable. Every time Bayern win the ball back in the final third, more often than not, he’s the trigger.

Hoeness summed it up perfectly:

“You have to create those chances first. The number of chances he creates is fantastic. And that he slips now and then — that’s normal. It’s football.”

Champions League Test: Bayern vs PSG

Luis Diaz

Next up for Kompany’s high-flying Bayern is a mouth-watering Champions League clash against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes — a match that feels like more than just another group stage fixture.

Both teams have won their opening three games, separated only by a single goal in the standings. For Díaz and Bayern, it’s an early test of their European credentials — and perhaps an opportunity for the Colombian to silence his critics on the biggest stage.

“We’ve earned the right to go in there full of enthusiasm,” Kompany said. “It has to be rock ’n’ roll. They have confidence, we have confidence — it’s going to be a great game.”

The tie also rekindles what has become a growing rivalry between the two clubs. The last time they met — in the FIFA Club World Cup final earlier this year — PSG ran out 2-0 winners. Since then, Bayern have gone unbeaten, building momentum through a blend of intensity, creativity, and defensive solidity.

A statement win in Paris would not only underline Bayern’s European ambitions but also further elevate Díaz’s reputation as one of Kompany’s most vital assets.

Hoeness: “Bayern Can Win the Champions League Every Year”

As the conversation turned toward Bayern’s continental ambitions, Hoeness made his confidence clear.

“Bayern can win the Champions League every year if the factors are right,” he said. “From the quarter-finals onwards, it’s about form and injuries. If your key players are fit, you have a chance. If they’re not, it’s almost impossible.”

The former striker also referenced last season’s narrow margins:

“Last year, PSG played exceptionally well, but they almost got knocked out in the group stage. Everything is very close at this level.”

It’s a reminder that in modern football, even the best teams walk a fine line between glory and heartbreak — and that’s exactly why players like Luis Díaz, who give everything every minute, are so crucial.

Díaz’s Defiance and Determination

If there’s one thing that has defined Luis Díaz’s journey, it’s resilience. From playing barefoot in Colombia’s La Guajira region to becoming one of Europe’s most exciting wide forwards, his rise has been nothing short of remarkable.

Criticism, as Hoeness pointed out, is part of life at Bayern Munich. But Díaz doesn’t shy away from it — he channels it. Those missed chances? They’ll sting, yes. But they’ll also fuel him.

With Bayern’s schedule ramping up — PSG away, RB Leipzig in the league, and Club Brugge in Europe — Díaz’s ability to deliver under pressure will be tested again. But if the early signs under Kompany are anything to go by, the Colombian is built for these moments.

Final Thoughts

For Dieter Hoeness, the verdict on Luis Díaz is clear: he’s not wasteful — he’s wonderful. His energy, determination, and all-around contribution are exactly what Bayern Munich need right now.

In a team packed with elite talent, Díaz’s relentless drive makes him stand out. Goals may define headlines, but it’s effort and influence that define champions.

And as Bayern continue their quest for domestic and European dominance, don’t be surprised if the so-called “wasteful finisher” becomes one of the defining figures of the Kompany era.

“He’s extraordinary,” Hoeness repeated. “And he’ll only get better.”