Rafa Benitez says Diogo Jota is a ‘very clever’ player following his late winner during Liverpool’s dramatic 4-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday.
After leading 3-0 inside 15 minutes, Liverpool thought the game and the points were in the bag, especially after what happened to Spurs at Newcastle United the week before.
But, in stoppage time, ex-Everton forward Richarlison was taking off his shirt and wheeling away in celebration after he scored what he thought was the equaliser.
But whilst one substitute made an impact for one team, Diogo Jota worked his magic for his side.
Lucas Moura, who was another late sub, proceeded to pass the ball back and lay the ball on a plate for the Portugal international, who didn’t waste his chance to punish his opponents.
Nonetheless, former Liverpool boss Benitez was full of praise for Jota, as he told Premier League Productions (30/04/23 at 6:40 pm).
“You have to say, Diogo Jota is very clever,” said Benitez. “He is very good at playing through the lines, then his finishing was really, really good.
“Klopp told him to ‘manage the game and to control the game’. But because he is a clever player, he plays really well in between the lines, keeps the ball, then you can find the passes and the spaces. That was the reason why he hasn’t (previously) been scoring in too many games.
“But he came here made the difference late on.”
JOTA ON FIRE
Injuries have hurt the £41 million star (BBC Sport) during these past 12 months, but now he is fit and healthy, he is starting to showcase his worth.
From his last four matches, he has five goals to his name, and with Liverpool having an outside chance of Champions League football, his form has come at the right time.
The Reds have to win their remaining matches, if they are to secure a top-four finish because Manchester United and Newcastle United are running away with it.
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