‘Top player’… Paul Merson raves about 27-year-old Liverpool star

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Liverpool have just been handed a boost as they aim to challenge for the Premier League title.

As we wave goodbye to 2023, the Reds are looking good. Having began the year with a dismal 3-1 loss away at Brentford, Arsenal’s defeat last night means that Liverpool may well end it at the top of the table.

And according to pundit Paul Merson, that isn’t the only good news the Reds have had this week. Giving his Premier League weekend predictions for Sportskeeda, Merson hailed the impact of returning forward Diogo Jota.

“Liverpool, on the other hand [to Newcastle], got a hard-fought 2-0 win against Burnley in a game that marked Diogo Jota’s return to the team,” said the former England midfielder.

“He’s a top player and his presence will come as a timely boost for Jurgen Klopp, who is set to lose Mohamed Salah next month as the 31-year-old prepares to represent Egypt at the AFCON.”

Merson went on to predict a 2-0 win for Liverpool as they host Newcastle United on New Year’s Day.

Jota gives timely boost

Merson is absolutely right here. As Liverpool prepare to navigate a period without Salah, they look far better placed to do it with Jota back in the squad.

The 27-year-old is perhaps now Klopp’s second-best forward behind the Egyptian.

Jota has previously been hailed by none other than Ian Rush as Liverpool’s best finisher. It’s always a boost to have a player like that available.

Despite his goal-getting prowess, Jota hasn’t always been properly appreciated by the outside world. Reds supporters love him and have long since known just how lethal he can be.

But with players like Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino previously taking the spotlight from him, the Portugal international has maybe been undervalued.

Nevertheless, Jota’s contribution has been – and continues to be – crucial. He may not always be easy on the eye, but he’s always good for a goal.

As Micah Richards said when analysing the No.20 today, his ability to get on the scoresheet at big moments is ‘ridiculous.’

With Liverpool set for another title race and Salah unavailable for a period, they’ll need their forwards to come up trumps. Expect Jota to be the man doing most of the heavy lifting.