WHOLE JOTA LOVE
Diogo’s joy after being mobbed by team-mates
DIOGO JOTA knew he was joining a special team when he signed on for Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
Defending English champions and having only recently surrendered their European crown, the Liverpool newcomer had a lot to measure up to.
But a 10- minute Premier League cameo against Arsenal ended with the clinching goal (right) and that star-studded team mobbing the man arrived from Wolves for £41million.
Fabinho and Andy Robertson – now mainstays of the team – took six months to settle in at Anfield, Naby Keita a full 18 months. So the relief was palpable for Portugal international Jota, when he marked his home debut with a lively performance and fine goal.
“It means a lot, it really does,” he said of his goal. “When you arrive at a team that are world champions, you want to try to adapt as quickly as possible.
“The way the players received me is exceptional. I just thank them for that. I think we can build up from here and do great things. I’m so happy with this – getting my first goal in my first game at Anfield. Obviously I could have done better, I had a couple of chances before, but I helped the team seal the three points, that is the most important thing.”
Jota had three good chances, and also created several opportunities for his fellow strikers. And he could now provide a solution to perhaps the most pressing problem Klopp faces as he plots Liverpool’s title defence.
They have a strong squad, with depth in defence and midfield. But up front, there has been little adequate cover for the trio of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.
It has looked like a big weakness, but Jota may just make the Reds even more daunting rivals, as former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher pointed out.
“I’ve always felt like Liverpool needed to strengthen, bring in cover for Mane more than anywhere e else,” he said.
“Jota ta brings in real pressing ssing presence.” ”