Former England star Glenn Hoddle has labelled Diogo Jota as Jurgen Klopp’s ‘best buy’ as Liverpool manager.
The 25-year-old was the lead attraction once again as the Reds overcame Leicester City 2-0 at Anfield to keep the pressure on Manchester City.
Jota showed predatory instincts in both halves to fire past a previously impenetrable Kasper Schmeichel on two occasions.
Diogo Jota's striking instincts are incredible! 💯
A quick swivel and he finds the bottom corner.
He gets his brace for the night and Liverpool get a well deserved second goal ✌️ pic.twitter.com/f3ZU7dUZbC
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 10, 2022
Speaking on BT Sport, Hoddle claimed that the Portuguese star is the most impressive business at Anfield in recent years.
It’s really great instinctive finishing. He goes into the box, comes in behind him and he knows. Doesn’t need to take a look – his instincts tell him where the goal is. That is why he’s a starter for me. Probably [Klopp’s] best buy, I would say. He surprised everyone when he first came with how good he’s been.
The Liverpool number 20 earned an 8.80 Sofascore rating for a display containing 42 touches, one clearance, three tackles and most importantly two goals.
Jota now has 17 goals and three assists in 30 appearances across all competitions this season.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
Bold statement.
Whilst the £45million fee (BBC) has proven to be outstanding value for money, given the business conducted during Klopp’s reign, it’s hard to put the ex-Wolves man at the top.
Relatively bargain deals for a certain Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane would argue they deserve the crown, as well as the £8million arrival of Andy Robertson.
With a staggering 30 goals in 60 Liverpool outings, more performances such as this down the years from the £54million valued man and this discussion may need revisiting.