Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hailed Diogo Jota as the ‘complete package’ following the forward’s impressive recent form.
Jota has shone in the absence of Mohamed Salah and took his total to five goals in five games with the opener in Liverpool’s 4-1 win over Chelsea in midweek. The Portugal international is expected to lead the line again this weekend, as the Reds travel to face title rivals Arsenal at the Emirates.
The 27-year-old has averaged more non-penalty goals per 90 than any other player in the Premier League this season (minimum 500+ mins) and will look to extend his brilliant record against Arsenal on Sunday, having netted eight times 14 career appearances against the North Londoners.
“He’s a complete package. He knows that and we know that,” Klopp said at his pre-match press conference.
“He gets a few injuries at the wrong time, and a few too many as well. Unlucky. He gets knocks all of the time in each game in a crazy way.
“If you go through all of the medical reports over the years that Diogo is here he has been in all them. Not injured, but bruises, a knock, has that, has that. He gets so many knocks in matches. He has been out too long otherwise his numbers would look very different.
“He was in good shape before he got injured and now he is literally flying in the moment, he looks fresh and explosive. On top of that he always a extremely smart footballer.
“From the moment I saw him at Wolves I was excited about his potential. Can play all three positions for upfront which is special when Mohamed Salah is not here. That is how it is with strikers when you are doing well. You surf the wave and that’s what he’s doing. His goal against Chelsea was an unbelievable goal.”
