Fabio Capello was blown away by Diogo Jota’s stunning Liverpool hat-trick in the 5-0 Champions League thrashing of Atalanta on Tuesday night, speaking to Sky Italia, translated by TMW.
At this point, it feels like Jurgen Klopp could pluck almost anyone off the streets of the UK and turn them into a world-class footballer within a matter of weeks.
After an outstanding start to his Reds career, Jota is well on his way to following in the footsteps of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson and co by becoming one of the world’s best under the most charismatic of coaches.
The £40 million forward took his tally to seven goals in ten Liverpool games in Bergamo, scoring a sensational hat-trick from a new-look number nine role.
Even Capello, a man who has seen it all during 60 years in the game while coaching some of the greatest forwards of all time, was left awe-struck by the former Wolverhampton Wanderers hero.
“Speaking of Jota, I haven’t seen (a player with) this speed for years,” said the former England, AC Milan and Real Madrid boss.
Capello was also left scratching his head by Atalanta’s decision to defend one v one against Liverpool’s fearsome forward trio.
It is fair to say Gian Piero Gasperini’s swashbuckling style failed spectacularly on the night too with Jota, Salah and Mane taking full advantage of the gaping holes in the hosts’ backline.
“When playing one-on-one in defence, you cannot play against these players.”
After beating Ajax and Midtjylland in their first two match-days, Liverpool can start to prepare for the knockout stages already.
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