Liverpool: Klopp could make a shock decision against Sheffield United
Diogo Jota has looked excellent in his brief time at Liverpool so far.
After his £41 million move from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Portuguese international has enjoyed several exciting spells in Liverpool Red, Blue and Black.
The noticeable achievement was netting on his Premier League debut against Arsenal to secure Liverpool a 3-1 win, but his performance against Ajax last night will not go unnoticed.
Jota came on at the hour mark, replacing the front three alongside Takumi Minamino and Xherdan Shaqiri, and provided similar energy and output that Sadio Mane did throughout the match.
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Yes, Mane had a dead leg, but Jota’s influence, retention and passing eye really stood out in the last half hour.
Many pick out a pass which led to a clear-cut chance for Gini Wijnaldum in the dying minutes – across the defenders to see the Dutchman through – as Jota’s finest moment. But it was his industrialist-style dogged performance, coupled with Portuguese flair, that typified it.
This performance will please Jurgen Klopp, and potentially give him food for thought ahead of Saturday’s game with Sheffield United.
Chris Wilder’s men had a rest during the week, and Klopp will be keen to rotate some players with a busy schedule ahead.
Jota is the first that comes to mind when the front three needs a rest – and he could play in any position across it.
It would be likely though that he would replace Roberto Firmino, who’s form has dropped off recently after a positive end to last season.
The change would see Sadio Mane move more centrally, with Jota occupying the left – or vice versa as both are incredibly versatile.
Jota’s price-tag and performances warrant this, and it certainly wouldn’t surprise me if he was the first heir to the acclaimed fab three’s throne.
This is the man Klopp has identified as his Van Dijk replacement. dark. Next
Should he start against the Blades?