Diogo Jota: More Than Just Goals and Assists

Diogo Jota has been in a rich vein of form of late and has been an essential cog in the Liverpool attack since Mohamed Salah’s absence.

The Portuguese forward has scored five goals and registered three assists in nine games since returning from injury on Boxing Day against Burnley. He’s also won two penalties in that time, one that Salah converted against Newcastle on New Year’s Day and the one missed by Darwin Nunez against Chelsea.

Many felt that Salah’s absence would cost Liverpool dearly which is understandable considering his importance to the side. Still, it’s only in the recent defeat to Arsenal that Liverpool can be questioned on that front. The Reds have progressed to a cup final since the Egyptian departed for AFCON/got injured and registered at least four goals in each of the three matches against Bournemouth, Norwich and Chelsea.

Jota’s Role

What has been particularly notable about Jota’s role has been the position that he has taken up. Predominantly utilised on the left side of the front three or through the middle as the centre forward, Liverpool’s Number 20 has found opportunities to feature on the right flank whilst Salah has been out and it is here that he has really thrived.

It was quite telling in the Arsenal game that he struggled to have the same impact as he has done in other recent games which could partially be down to the fact he was tasked with playing as a Number nine.