‘The qualities’: Klopp says Liverpool have a player who plays like two of his teammates combined

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Diogo Jota plays like two of his teammates combined, according to Jurgen Klopp. The forward returned to the Liverpool XI against Ajax.

Jurgen Klopp had a big decision to make up front for Liverpool as they hosted Ajax on Tuesday evening. For the first time, he had all three of his centre-forwards available to start.

Roberto Firmino, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota were all there to be picked from. It’s a world-class selection and Klopp was only ever going to pick one. The trio offer different skillsets, too.

Firmino is the False 9 who presses hard and meshes everything together. He’s been in great form recently and knows the system better than anyone.

There’s a question as to whether that system works anymore, however. That’s the argument for playing Nunez – a more traditional striker who can transform Liverpool. We’ve already seen him make immediate impacts this season.

Klopp, though, went for Jota as his centre-forward. He offered an explanation as to why before the game, speaking with BT Sport. “He combines the qualities of Bobby and Darwin,” said the Liverpool boss, before praising Jota’s ability to defend from the front.

Diogo Jota plays like two teammates

It’s an interesting way of looking at Jota. He’s essentially the safe option for when Liverpool want versatility up top – and that’s incredibly useful.

More useful, we’d argue, is that Liverpool have this luxury. Nunez is the big, physical threat for when the team wants to be direct. Firmino can pull defences about and create space in tight areas. Then there’s Jota, who allows the Reds to attack in both ways – just not quite as effective in either.

It’s a role we earmarked for Jota before the season started. He’s the Sadio Mané successor, in effect, who excelled at playing every style for Liverpool.

Jota takes over that mantle and while the Reds struggle to find form, that role becomes incredibly important.