Diogo Jota can be Liverpool’s long-term option as a striker. He just needs a bit more work.
Diogo Jota isn’t an out-and-out striker. He’s certainly comfortable there but splits his time between the central position and the left wing.
Per Understat, Jota has played 29 times as a striker over the last three years. He’s also played 23 games on the left, eight as a no.10 and three from the right.
But the more we see of Jota, the more we wonder if his future is almost solely down the middle. He just needs a bit more Jurgen Klopp magic.
Replacement
Roberto Frimino has been the centre-forward for the last few years. Like Jota, though, he wasn’t an out-and-out striker at first.
It was only at Liverpool and under Klopp that Firmino morphed into a player who could lead the line. It meant he was quite unique.
Firmino’s history as an attacking midfielder made him a natural False 9. He’s very comfortable dropping back into space and leaving the runs in behind to the wingers.
He’s also good at linking with the midfield and pressing playing in tight spaces. Liverpool have used all of these skills to their advantage.
But Firmino won’t be around forever. He may even be winding down already. And replacing a unique player is near-impossible.
Liverpool may have a natural replacement in Jota, though. His game against Wolves was a fine example.
He’s very good at attacking space like a modern day winger. It means he naturally switches with other wingers, especially ones who like to play as strikers.
His goal at Molineux showed that off. Jota drifted wide left, Sadio Mane came inside and that interchange created space for the 24-year-old to score.
That’s good news for Liverpool – Jota can replace Firmino’s movement. But he’s showing versatility like Firmino, too.
Jota won four headers against Wolves, won one tackle, made two interceptions, created a chance and, of course, scored the winner. It doesn’t get much more complete.
It’s all fantastic to see at a time when Liverpool haven’t looked themselves going forward. But with a goal on Monday and an assist for the opener last week, Jota is a breath of fresh air.
If Liverpool want to maintain their current style, Jota may be the long-term answer up top. He’s ticking all of the difficult boxes and performing every week.
With a bit more work under Klopp – much as Firmino had – we think there’s something special to be had here. It might be worth going all-in on.
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