Diogo Jota has quickly established himself as Liverpool’s best option to lead the line under manager Arne Slot. While he may not have stood out in a recent match against Manchester United, Jota’s subtle brilliance was evident in the lead-up to Luis Diaz’s goal. He displayed tactical intelligence and awareness, exemplifying Klopp’s praise for his understanding of the game.
In the opening three games of the season, Jota has been electric, contributing with both goals and assists. His ability to time runs into the box, act as a decoy, and work hard for the team has been vital to Liverpool’s perfect start. Slot’s style requires a striker with attributes similar to Roberto Firmino, and Jota possesses the ability to link up with teammates, make intelligent decisions, and finish chances effectively.
Despite his relatively low shot accuracy this season, Jota has proven to be Liverpool’s best finisher. Last season, he outperformed his expected goals (xG) and had a higher shot accuracy than Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, and Diaz. Jota’s industry on the pitch is also commendable, as he covers a significant distance during matches.
While Jota previously played in a wide role at Wolves and occasionally for Klopp, he has embraced his exclusive central role under Slot. His preference to stay in the middle and wait for scoring opportunities has paid off, and he has quickly become the team’s leading man.
Jota’s place in the team has come at the expense of Nunez, who has had to settle for a cameo role so far this season. While Nunez possesses many attributes, Jota’s consistent decision-making, ruthlessness in front of goal, and tactical understanding make him a superior option in Slot’s system. It remains to be seen whether Nunez has a long-term future at Liverpool, but he will have to work hard to displace Jota.
One concern surrounding Jota is his injury history, as he has been limited to just 95 starts in the past four years due to fitness issues. However, Slot’s emphasis on load management and improving fitness gives hope that Jota can stay healthy and play a crucial role for the team. At 27 years old, he is in his prime and possesses the accuracy and football intelligence to make a significant impact.
Overall, Jota’s performances have shown that he is the ideal striker for Liverpool under Slot. His tactical understanding, finishing ability, and work rate make him a key player in the team’s success. If he can stay fit, Liverpool’s prospects for the season are promising, and Jota will play a vital role in their pursuit of silverware.