Garth Crooks told BBC Sport that Liverpool could still be in a title race if Diogo Jota had played more game during their months of struggle and not been injured.
The 23-year-old was the match-winner for Liverpool on Monday night as Jurgen Klopp’s men secured a much-needed three points against Wolves.
Ironically enough, Jota, on his first return since swapping Molineux for Anfield, scored against his former club in the first half.
Crooks labelled the £41 million versatile attacker (BBC Sport) as an ‘inspired’ signing’ and someone who could have had a bigger impact had he been on the pitch more.
“I enjoyed this fixture,” said Crooks. “Liverpool played like a team that wanted to win the game and Wolves looked like a team who had no intention of letting them.
“The difference between the two sides was the man who Wolves sold to Liverpool last summer.
“Going back to your old stomping ground and facing your former team-mates is never easy but Diogo Jota made it look that way.
“His goal was well taken and enough to put the Reds back on track. Jota has been an inspired signing and had it not been for injuries to the Portugal international, Liverpool might still be in touch with another title challenge.”.
There’s no doubt that when Jota was fit prior to his injury, he was ripping it up, both in the league and in Europe.
Jota’s hat-trick in the Champions League even forced Klopp to play a front four – Sadio Mane, Jota himself, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah – against Manchester City.
Now, when Firmino returns, it will be interesting to see if he gets back into the starting XI because Liverpool are looking like a fresh and vibrant team with Jota in the forward areas.
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