Liverpool wanted a top-class attacker this summer.
The Reds were linked with moves for some of the biggest names in Europe and while speculation about Kylian Mbappe looked far-fetched, the one that got away was certainly Timo Werner.
Werner and Liverpool looked like a match made in heaven at one point, with the German constantly flirting with the idea of a move to Anfield, but in the end he joined Chelsea for £53 million, and Liverpool went for a more low-key attacking signing.
Liverpool may have lost out on Werner, but the man they did sign is not only outperforming him, he’s an all-round better fit for the Reds.
Diogo Jota has a superior minutes per goal ratio that Werner this season, and on top of that, he is much more versatile.
Jota can comfortably play on either wing or through the middle, while Werner isn’t as adept at playing down the wing, and even when he does play there, he isn’t as convincing out wide as when he plays through the centre.
Indeed, Werner only has 15 goals in 65 appearances on the flank throughout his career, and that wouldn’t have been a good enough record for Liverpool, due to how reliant they are on goals from their wide players.
Jota, however, provides a quality alternative to all three of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, which is exactly what the Reds needed, as they were growing to be over-reliant on that front three.
Add into this that Jota cost £12 million less than the German did, and it’s hard to argue that Liverpool didn’t get the better deal than Chelsea.
Of course, Blues fans would probably argue the opposite point, but both clubs needed different things at the time, and they can both be pleased with their acquisitions.
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