Roy Keane has claimed that Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has ‘outstanding’ heading ability and compared him to Paul Scholes, as he told ITV Sport.
The former midfielder claimed that his former Manchester United teammate would be ‘underestimated’ in the air, just like Liverpool’s Jota is now.
On Sunday, Jota was once again showcasing his aerial ability when he opened the scoring for his side during their 3-1 FA Cup win against Cardiff.
Despite standing at just over 5ft8m tall, Jota constantly finds himself beating defenders in the air.
And Keane loves what he sees from the Liverpool 25-year-old and shared that it’s an underappreciated talent in his locker.
“I think it’s because of his size people underestimate him,” said Keane. “I think Paul Scholes used to do the same.
“He used to get into these positions and people would go ‘I think he will be okay’.
“But we have seen it over and over again. When he does get them chances, he is outstanding in the air. It’s always great to see a player score a headed goal.
“It’s not even great movement. He just walks onto it. And the cross, of course, is of huge help.”
Signed up by Liverpool last season, there was a lot of question marks over Jota’s price tag when he arrived from Wolves.
But pretty much straightaway, the Portugal international showcased by Jurgen Klopp put so much faith in him.
Jota couldn’t stop scoring from the bench and he eventually turned Klopp’s hand because he had no choice but to start him.
And now it could be argued, well he actually is, ahead of Roberto Firmino in the starting XI pecking order.
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