Jurgen Klopp and Jordan Henderson were full of praise for Diogo Jota after the Liverpool forward scored a Premier League brace during Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
‘Insert London bus themed pun here’.
You wait a year for a goal, and then four arrive in the space of two games. And while a resurgent Jota could hardly have wanted for more obliging opponents than Leeds United or Nottingham Forest – the relegation-threatened duo showing the Portuguese international to the table and hand-feeding him lobster thermidor – you still have to take your chances, and Jota certainly did that.
The former Wolves ace followed up a simple header against Forst with a sublime second; controlling a difficult pass before swivelling a brilliant volley into the corner.
For Klopp, the manner of Jota’s second was proof of the confidence now coursing through his veins.
Diogo Jota scores 4 goals in two Premier League games for Liverpool
“I think the second goal you really can see what goals do to offensive players. They give confidence,” Klopp points out.
“It was a super first touch. It didn’t look like a massive chance in the first moment when you see three in the box. First touch great. And then, the second one is just exceptional.
“He could have scored a third one in the first half already. Again that shows you can, as an offensive player, be involved in absolutely each defensive situation and be still a threat offensively.
“That makes him, for us, so valuable. It’s wonderful after the long, long time that he was out (injured) and now having these positive things. (Jota) was involved in the Arsenal equaliser in a very important manner and now scoring twice a brace. It’s top.”
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was equally delighted to see Jota bounce back from a highly-frustrating 12 months. Only Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo, Roberto Firmino and Darwin Nunez have scored more Premier League goals than Jota this term, even if it took him until mid-April to open his account.
“He gets himself in some great positions,” Henderson adds. “And normally when he gets in there and gets the ball, he can finish (chances) off.
“He’s just starting to find his rhythm after being out with injury for a long time. It’s nice to see him back in the goals and full of confidence. Hopefully he can continue that from now until the end of the season.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
