Stephen Warnock has paid tribute to the ‘quite incredible’ Diogo Jota for his performance in Liverpool’s Champions League win last night.
The Reds moved into the quarter-final of the competition by beating Leipzig 2-0 on the night to progress with a 4-0 aggregate victory.
Jota made his first start for Liverpool after being injured since December and it was brilliant outing from the Portuguese star, who tested the opposition goalkeeper on a number of occasions and also grabbed an assist for Mo Salah’s goal.
Considering he’s only back from a three-month absence, it was a very industrious and energetic display from the former Wolves man and Warnock has admitted that he’s been shocked by his energy levels.
Jurgen Klopp needed a big showing from Jota due to the absence of Roberto Firmino, but the ex-Liverpool defender has admitted to BBC Sport that he can’t see the Brazilian winning his place back ahead of the summer signing, claiming this is a ‘changing of the guard’ of sorts.
He said: “Diogo Jota brings a penetration to Liverpool – it allows them to run at defences because Roberto Firmino likes to pick the ball up in deeper positions and that hasn’t quite worked for him this season. Jota has the ability to press, and win the ball back straight away when he loses it – his energy levels are quite incredible.
“I think we will see the changing of the guard in that front three. I think it probably would have happened if Jota didn’t get injured. He has been brought in for that reason but also for rotation to keep them all fit and all in peak condition.”
Warnock is right. Even before Jota’s injury in December, he was starting regularly ahead of Firmino and when the former Hoffenheim star returns, that’ll likely be the case again.
Liverpool fans love Firmino for his class and contribution down the years, but Jota is a better goalscorer and that’s what Klopp’s side have been majorly missing.
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