Liverpool vice-captain James Milner was impressed by attacker Diogo Jota yesterday, despite the side’s 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace.
Speaking with the club’s official website after the stalemate, the 37-year-old picked out a few positives from the match.
This included the Portugal international, who made his first start yesterday since he sustained a serious long-term calf injury.
“I thought Jots did well,” said Milner.
“He’s been out for a long time and he’s had bits and bobs, he’ll be very tired tomorrow.
“A few other lads coming back, Virgil – the amount of football he’s played since he’s had an injury and things like that.
“The boys gave everything they had, you saw the desire and the willingness and the drive to try to get the result.
“It’s a point, it’s not a defeat – but sometimes it feels like that when you’re desperate to get the win.”
Milner praises Jota’s return
Starting for the first time since October, the forward began on the left-hand side, with Cody Gakpo playing down the middle.
Before being substituted in the 71st minute for Roberto Firmino, the 26-year-old had a number of chances on goal.
Jota had one shot on target, with another two failing to trouble the keeper and another being blocked (via SofaScore).
He came near to scoring during the first half when he headed onto the crossbar from close range – missing a very big chance for the Reds.
Furthermore, he made two successful dribbles, he won five duels and he made 82% of his passes accurately.
For his first appearance back in the starting XI for a considerable amount of time, Jota was largely positive against Palace.
With a few more weeks worth of cameos, he will definitely regain some of that sharpness in the final third.
However, as it is, he still has a way to go until he’s at his best again.