Dion Dublin sung the praises of Diogo Jota on BBC Radio 5 Live (02/04, 12:54) as Watford ‘just cannot deal’ with the untouchable Liverpool star in Saturday’s Premier League clash.
The Hornets made the trip to Merseyside as domestic action resumed following the March international break. Jota spent the break with Portugal as he helped his nation qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, netting in their play-off semi-final and assisting in their final.
He now has nine goals and six assists after 24 Selecao caps, who will face Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea. And Jota continued his creative streak to break the deadlock as Liverpool hosted Watford. The 25-year-old met Joe Gomez’s cross after 22 minutes for the opener.
Jota drifted across the face of Ben Foster’s net unchallenged as Christian Kabasele stood ball watching. He snuck straight across the box to meet Gomez’s delivery at the near post and glance the ball home. It took Jota to 20 goals in 40 games in all competitions this term.
Dion Dublin believes Watford ‘just cannot deal’ with Liverpool star Diogo Jota
Jota is among the Premier League’s top goalscorers this season with only Mohamed Salah netting more than the Portuguese. Dublin hails what the £41m former Wolves star offers Jurgen Klopp’s side, believing he is the closest player they have to a ‘natural’ goalscorer.
Jota seriously impresses Dublin with his movement, in particular, as the Liverpool ace was too hot for Watford to handle. He has also now scored against 11 different Premier League sides this season, along with Atletico Madrid during the Champions League group stage.
“In regard to Liverpool, he’s the closest thing they have to a centre-forward,” Dublin said. “In regards the movement he makes. I think [Gabriel] Jesus is the same for [Manchester] City. But for Liverpool, Jota’s the closest thing they have to a natural goalscorer
“The runs. Sometimes defenders just cannot deal with his movement, and he’s a great finisher. And that is a centre-forward’s goal.”
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