Liverpool: Diogo Jota is off to a historic start at Anfield

The Portuguese international is enjoying life with the current title-holders, scoring goals left, right, and center

Liverpool made several notable signings in the summer transfer window to add even more depth to their already strong squad, but no one could have predicted that Diogo Jota would make such an instant impact after making the 45 million move from Wolves in September.

The 23-year old forward has made just six starts for the current Premier League champions and has already bagged seven goals, including a hat-trick in a 5-0 thrashing of Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday in Italy. Jota has now scored six times in his last four appearances and has netted at least once in each of those matches. On the European stage, he’s been absolutely lethal in the final third dating back to last year with Wolverhampton. The youngster has scored three hat-tricks since the beginning of last term, a feat that no one on the globe hasn’t even come close to.

Jota was selected ahead of Roberto Firmino on Tuesday against their Serie A opponents and immediately found the back of the net, scoring on a cheeky chip over the keeper in the 16th minute after Trent Alexander-Arnold found Jota with a tremendous through ball to set him free. By the 54th minute, the Portuguese international already had his hat-trick.

The depth that Liverpool needed

Jota was arguably one of Nuno Espirito Santo’s best players at the Molineux last season, but he didn’t have such high-caliber players surrounding him. Jota is thriving alongside Mo Salah and Sadio Mane up top and is taking every opportunity he has at Anfield and running with it. With the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson also linking up with Jota from the back, he’s getting tons of chances to score goals.

Firmino has run into a dismal spell of form and this was part of the reason he wasn’t in the starting XI against Atalanta. Bringing in a player like Jota to Jurgen Klopp’s squad was actually a massive necessity because their attack did lack depth last term. Salah, Mane, and Firmino are all wonderful talents who play well alongside each other, but even the best will struggle at times. With Jota at Liverpool’s disposal, it gives them another attacking choice each and every matchday. When he hits form like this as well, it’s going to create even more competition for playing time in the final third.

Versatility will help Jota find playing time

Jota played in a central attacking position on Tuesday, but he’s versatile enough to play anywhere across the front which is a huge plus because he will get more minutes. Blessed with great pace and footwork, Jota is tremendous in one on one situations, but he contributes a lot more than just goals. He has a tireless work rate, always retreating into his own half to collect the ball. Jota is also very good at anticipating his runs in behind defenders, which is the exact reason he scored all three goals against Atalanta.

Wolves also had different tactics. The Reds playing a very attacking-driven style of football with three up top, which is why Jota is getting countless opportunities to bag goals. He had just seven domestic goals for Wolverhampton last term and has already matched that total across all competitions for Liverpool.

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Should he start over Firmino?

If we go by the numbers, Jota has certainly proved that he should be in the starting XI this weekend against Manchester City. He’s already scored more goals than Firmino for Liverpool in 2020, despite playing almost 2,000 minutes less for the club.

Being surrounded by top players has seriously benefited Diogo Jota. They’ve been able to unlock the wonderful talent that he really is. This is just the start for the former Wolves starlet and undoubtedly he will be a key part of this Liverpool squad moving forward.

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