Ray Parlour has told talkSPORT that Liverpool have a better striker than Erling Haaland in Diogo Jota after the forward’s displays without Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah available.
Jota has enjoyed a sublime season in Jurgen Klopp’s attack ahead of the Reds’ Champions League clash with Inter Milan. The 25-year-old has so far struck 17 goals in 31 games in all competitions, while offering three assists. He has additionally only started 25 appearances.
Each of his last five goals and one assist have also been vital to the Anfield natives securing wins. Jota struck Liverpool’s two Carabao Cup goals to beat Arsenal, each in a 2-0 Premier League win over Leicester and scored and assisted in their 3-1 FA Cup win against Cardiff.
Jota’s goals against Arsenal, Leicester and Cardiff were even more important as Klopp was without Mane and Salah in most. Mane missed all three fixtures while helping Senegal win the Africa Cup of Nations, while Salah returned from representing Egypt to face the Foxes.
Only Salah has scored more goals for Liverpool this season than Jota, with the 29-year-old striking 23 in 28 games. Salah is also the only Reds player with more Premier League goals with 16 to Jota’s 12. Mane ranks third for the Merseyside outfit in the top-flight with eight.
Parlour would pick Liverpool star Jota over Haaland
Jota’s form whilst Klopp was without Salah and Mane has convinced Parlour the Liverpool striker is currently operating at a higher level than Borussia Dortmund megastar Haaland.
“What he’s done since Salah and Mane have been away has been unbelievable,” Parlour said. “I think he’s the best No9 at the moment. He’s been absolutely sensational since they lost Mane and Salah.
“I like his work rate, the way he conducts himself every game, the goals he scores and I think he’s going to get better… Possibly, yeah [I’d have Jota over Haaland]. I think Jota’s been brilliant. What a signing he’s been.”
Haaland, who the Daily Star note has a £67m release clause from this summer, is currently recovering from an injury. The 21-year-old has missed Borussia Dortmund’s last two games. He also spent time on the sidelines earlier this season after sustaining a hip flexor injury.
Nonetheless, the Norwegian has scored 23 goals and provided six assists over 20 games in all competitions this term. He also struck 16 of his efforts over 14 Bundesliga fixtures after a 27-goal haul in 2020/21 from 28 games.
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