Luis Diaz and Joao Pedro among most transferred-in players but international commitments may affect Gameweek 4 minutes

LUIS DIAZ (£4.7m) is currently the most transferred-in player ahead of Gameweek 4.

Many Dream Team managers have wasted no time in recruiting the Liverpool winger following his brace at Old Trafford last time out.

4

The 27-year-old took Manchester United for 16 points in Gameweek 3 to take his overall tally for the season to 35.

At this early juncture, he is ranked first among assets in his position, although only narrowly as Eberechi Eze (£4.6m) and Bukayo Saka (£6.3m) are joint-second on 34 points each.

Given Diaz’s form and the Reds’ performances as whole so far this season, it’s understandable that he has experienced a surge in popularity during the international break – his ownership has increased to 22.3%.

However, gaffers should be conscious of the possibility of rotation in Gameweek 4.

Diaz captained Colombia against Peru on Saturday and is expected to start against World Cup champions Argentina in Barranquilla on Tuesday night.

4

Barring any complications, he should participate in Liverpool training at the end of the week but some South American internationals have had their workload managed after long-haul flights in previous seasons.

Dream Team bosses would appreciate an update on Diaz’s condition and availability when Arne Slot attends his pre-match press conference.

The Dutchman has been relatively consistent with his team selections to date – Diaz has started in the front three alongside Mohamed Salah (£7.3m) and Diogo Jota (£4.8m) for every game this term.

And Diaz’s backers will hope for the same again when Liverpool host Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

However, with a Champions League away day to Milan next Tuesday (also part of Gameweek 4) Slot may opt to make more use of his other attacking options – Cody Gakpo (£3.9m), Darwin Nunez (£4.2m) and Federico Chiesa (£4m) represent significant depth.

To be clear, Diaz remains an excellent option and it may be the case that Liverpool aren’t overly concerned about such things at this early stage of the campaign; but it’s something for gaffers to bear in mind.

4

Similarly, Joao Pedro (£3.8m) is the fourth-most popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 4 at the time of writing but there are concerns about his minutes this weekend too.

The Brighton forward was a late call up for Brazil and while he may not actually get on the pitch during this international break (he played zero minutes against Ecuador on Saturday) the schedule is somewhat against him.

The Samba boys are due to play Paraguay in the early hours of Wednesday morning (UK time) which gives Pedro a tight turnaround to make the Seagulls’ home game against Ipswich at 3pm on Saturday.

However, it’s entirely possible he will start even if he doesn’t train fully with the rest of the squad, it all depends on Fabian Hurzeler’s viewpoint on such issues.

Again, Dream Team managers will hopefully be given an indication of Pedro’s availability later in the week.

The 23-year-old has scored against Manchester United and Arsenal in his last two outings and will surely retain his place in the starting line-up if deemed unhindered by international duty.

Brighton are also due to face Wolves in the Carabao Cup in Gameweek 4.

4

All internationals that have racked up plentiful air miles during this break have to be considered a minutes risk to some degree; we’ve only highlighted Diaz and Pedro because they are both among the most transferred-in players for Gameweek 4.

Remember, transfers can be reversed before Saturday’s 11am deadline if such action is necessary.

Prior to the managers’ press conferences, it seems likely that Diaz and Pedro will get decent run outs across Gameweek 4, especially with Liverpool and Brighton having two fixtures each, but those hoping for 180 minutes may be disappointed.

---