After a thrilling start to the Senol NPL Victoria season, Oakleigh Cannons winger Liston Diaz has been named the February New Balance Player of the Month, receiving the most votes from the commentary team over the first three weeks of the season.
Oakleigh started the season with a loss at home to Preston Lions but have since recorded two solid wins against St Albans Dinamo and Altona Magic.
Diaz was instrumental in all three games, with the 25-year-old registering an assist, winning a penalty and scoring twice.
The tricky winger has not just been producing numbers; he's been Oakleigh's standout performer so far this season, landing him a deserved Player of the Month award.
"It's a nice surprise," he said.
"I feel very grateful that people are seeing the hard work that I've been trying to put in."
Diaz has enjoyed consistent game time for the first time in his NPL career this season after building a reputation as a super-sub at Avondale and struggling with injuries last year at Port Melbourne.
"This year, coming to Oakleigh, (it's been) a change of environment (and) a really strong pre-season," he said.
"I had a big off-season as well, just building my body back up."
His teammates have also played an important role in his strong start to the season.
"When I get the ball, it's sort of a different feeling this year knowing that I've got even better players around me," he said.
"The players that I'm playing with now are just (at) a different level, and obviously we're still starting to gel together."
The praise is warranted, with his teammates Joe Guest and Alex Salmon also bagging two goals each so far this season.
Diaz is confident this Oakleigh side can go all the way.
"We can finish top... The whole team is so strong," he said.
Now, Diaz’ focus is on keeping his body in shape for the rest of the season so he can continue to make an impact and guide Oakleigh towards the premiership.
"Hopefully I can keep consistent in trying to deliver and actually prove that I am worthy of starting games," he said.
"Because I know that when I get the minutes, I can create things. I can score goals, create chances, and really play my best football."
Diaz and Oakleigh’s next step in their premiership push comes on Sunday at 3pm, away at Casey Fields against NPL newcomers Melbourne City FC.