Graeme Souness has one ‘question mark against’ new Liverpool signing

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Graeme Souness has given his take on Liverpool summer signing Diogo Jota in The Times.

Liverpool recently signed Jota from Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer transfer window.

The Portugal international winger was a big success during his time at Wolves, as the 23-year-old scored goals and provided assists.

According to WhoScored, the former Atletico Madrid man scored seven goals and provided one assist in the Premier League, and scored six goals in the Europa League for Wolves last season.

Souness rates the youngster, but the Liverpool legend – who now works as a pundit for Sky Sports – has asked whether Jota can perform consistently well week in and week, like fellow Liverpool newboy and Spain international central midfielder Thiago Alcantara can.

Souness wrote in The Times: “Bayern Munich don’t usually let their big players go before they are on the wane, but I just don’t see any indication of that with Thiago at 29. He’s played at the highest level, at big clubs in Barcelona and Bayern Munich, so won’t be intimidated by coming to Liverpool and playing under pressure. He’ll understand that you’re playing in cup finals every week because the opposition badly wants to beat you. He can deal with all that.

“That would be my only question mark against Diogo Jota, Liverpool’s other new signing. At Wolves, it wasn’t a cup final every week but it will be at Liverpool, so he has to show that he’s ready for that. Otherwise, he fits the bill to deputise anywhere in that front three.

“He’s got great technique and understanding of the game, he’s already shown he can deal with the English game and play in a team that works hard, as Wolves do. Although he’s scored some important goals, I always felt that Divock Origi was never going to hold down a regular place in that Liverpool team, so Jota has to try to do that.”

Good signing for Liverpool?

Jota is unlikely to be a regular in the Liverpool starting lineup anytime soon, but the winger will give manager Jurgen Klopp a valuable option.

The winger’s skills and quality will make the Reds a better and more potent team in attack, and will enhance their chances of winning the Premier League and the Champions League this season.