Jota shines against Arsenal and provides an answer to Liverpool's difficult questions

Stefan Bienkowski

• Updated: 20 Jan 2022 16:27 CST
• 6 min read

Liverpool had Diogo Jota to thank for their impressive 2-0 victory over Liverpool on Thursday night in the semi-finals of the English League Cup.

The Portugal international was on hand to break the deadlock in the first half, when he managed to cut inside and squeeze a low shot through a body of Arsenal defenders.

Then, just as Arsenal looked poised to mount a comeback, the tricky forward popped up again with 13 minutes to go and tipped the ball over the on-running goalkeeper to double Liverpool’s lead.

However, as much as Jurgen Klopp would have been delighted with Jota’s individual performance on the night, he and the club’s loyal fans would be forgiven for getting used to such displays of clinical finishing in front of goal.

Jota is not only just a handy forward for the Anfield side, but is potentially their answer to some difficult questions in the summer.

How good has Jota been this season?

While Liverpool have had a somewhat inconsistent season, Jota has remained vigilant in front of goal and is having a tremendous campaign.

So far this season, the Portugal international has picked up 14 goals and two assists in 26 games across all competitions.

Not only is that a terrific return, but it has also included crucial contributions such as his assists in the 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid, his goal and assists in the 5-0 victory over Manchester United or his goal in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

Mentality and quality was the reasons we signed him,” said Klopp after Thursday’s game when asked about Jota.

“The way he played at Wolves, the running, the defending but was always able to produce some exciting stuff. He has shown that for us. He is incredibly important for us."

Has he been better than Mane or Salah?

Indeed, Jota is doing so well at Liverpool that he may reach a point that he is considered a genuine successor to either Sadio Mane or Mohamed Salah, who both have contracts that expire in 2023.

When we look at each player’s goals and assists per 90 it perhaps shows where Jota is in his development as a forward.

With 0.73 goals and assists per 90 for Liverpool this season, the Portugal international is doing tremendous well and is already someway ahead of Mane’s average of 0.48.

However, if the former Wolves star hopes to replace Salah one day, he’ll have to continue improving to match the Egypt international’s current average of 1.27 goals and assists per 90.