Liverpool vs Midtjylland Preview: Should Jota feature in Klopp's starting XI? Forward deserves more opportunities
Much of the attention by media outlets during Liverpool's transfer window was on Thiago Alcantara. Then there was a paragraph about acquiring Diogo Jota. And the tables have turned. The Portuguese forward now found the back to the net twice and averages a goal almost every other game. He was instrumental in Liverpool's win against Sheffield United after his header in the 64th minute saw them pip the Blades 2-1. Alcantara was one of their high-profile signings as even as fans were rejoicing his entry to the side, Liverpool had swooped in on Jota confirming a five-year deal for an initial sum of $58 million (£45 million).
That manager Jurgen Klopp started him in a 4-3-2-1 style of play for the first time with the main trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane was an indication he had earned a chance to cement his spot amidst the Reds top offense. He played his part as a right-sided forward to perfection in a game that pushed Liverpool to second place in the points table. Jota's skillset takes the pressure off Salah, Mane, and Roberto Firmino. If consistency and determination were the hallmarks, his ability to read the game and play across the front line just adds to his impressive CV.
When they take on Midtjylland in their Champions League fixture on Wednesday, October 28, the Reds surely must start with Jota again. Post the game against Sheffield, Klopp highlighted the former Wolves man's key traits and added there was room for improvement. “The player he is: he is quick, he has the physicality, he is strong, he is good in the air, he is good on the ground… a lot of good things," Klopp said. "Yes, Diogo scored a super goal and was really involved in the game. He can be much better, 100 percent, and that’s good news."
It is good news indeed. For a team that's lost some key players to injury, the offense will not be much of a concern for Klopp with Jota coming in. The move saw a few changes. Salah played a central striker with Firminho behind him while Mane occupied his usual left-wing slot. This just adds more teeth to their attack and something they can try once more against the weaker Danish outfit. With Alcantara, Naby Keita and Joel Matip sitting out, an unchanged squad is definitely a possibility.
Playing at Anfield makes it all the more special for Jota. This is a chance for him to land his second goal at Anfield. From a more psychological point of view, the 23-year-old getting a chance to be an attacker with the club and perhaps the league's best trio of strikers is also a sign of faith that might just work in Klopp's favor. While the season is long and there is time for Jota to adapt, he's showed enough to probably merit a position in the starting XI for a few games now.
Quick notes
Liverpool vs Midtjylland
Time and date: 4 pm ET, Wednesday, October 28, 2020.
Where: Anfield
Watch: CBS All Access