Liverpool forward Diogo Jota was in incredible form on Tuesday night.
He certainly made an impression by smashing in a hattrick in Liverpool’s 5-0 away win against Atalanta.
The Reds knew they had a player on their hands when Diogo Jota was snapped up from Wolves in September – but how good?
Despite his inconsistencies at Wolves last season, the Portuguese forward still bagged 16 goals in 48 games, an average of one in three. He also fired in two European hattricks last season, against Besiktas and Espanyol.
Were Wolves eager to sell? With Jota being a key player in their squad, they managed to drive the price to what they believed to be extortionate at £41 million.
And with that, a good deal for both it seemed. Now, it seems as if Liverpool have fleeced their Premier League counterparts.
Jota’s trio of goals were all simple and sublime in their own manner – showing elegance, instinct and composure.
His first ensured he was the first Red to score in four consecutive matches since Sadio Mane, another goal scorer in Bergamo, in 2019.
With a deft chip over Marco Sportiello, Jota’s calmness and zen put the Reds in front after 16 minutes. He made it two 17 minutes later after a wonderful touch to bring it down from a lofted ball – and fired home into the near post with venom.
After Mo Salah and Sadio Mane made it four after half-time, Jota was played through once more, rounded Sportiello, and rolled it into the back of net. Simple, clinical, effective.
Jota has become the third fastest to six goals for Liverpool this century, behind Fernando Torres and Mo Salah – at an average of 71 minutes per goal. His six goals have all been important, and before Salah and Mane netted, Jota had scored Liverpool’s last five goals from open play.
But the biggest personal pride from my point of view, is that the March version of me predicted the arrival and success of Jota. Visionary if I say so myself.
How many will Diogo Jota score this season?