Liverpool
Liverpool can finally draw $45m weapon as Diogo Jota returns and creates new Jürgen Klopp tool
![](https://sportcastinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/images-2023-02-09T160446.246.jpeg)
After months on the sidelines injured, Diogo Jota is back in full training for Liverpool and could unlock one of Cody Gakpo’s hidden strengths.
Diogo Jota has proved quite a striking package since arriving in Merseyside in the summer of 2020. The Portuguese was signed by Wolves from mid-table, with many Reds supporters initially expecting him to be a rotation option for the trio offensive by Jürgen Klopp.
Jota had the task of breaking that trident formed by Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, and it wasn’t long before he did it, often forcing his boss to select a front four instead of a three. He was quick, decisive, direct and energetic, and he proved perfect at Anfield. Perhaps the most shocking thing about Jota’s game was his remarkable ability to head the ball despite his size. At just 1.78m tall, he doesn’t look like an aerial target at first glance, but has proven to be exceptionally strong when battling for balls in the air.
In fact, just under 30% of his Premier League goals for the Reds have come from his head, compared to 42% from his favored right foot. The 26-year-old can jump higher than many of his peers and the precision and power he can muster is very impressive.
Klopp hasn’t capitalized on Jota’s unique threat since suffering an unfortunate injury against Manchester City in October, but fans will be happy to hear he returned to full training this week and joined his squad. teammates on the lawns on Wednesday. Liverpool have a local derby against Everton soon, and while that game may come too soon for Jota, he could be aiming to return next weekend for his side’s high-profile match against Newcastle United.
One player who should be happier than most with Jota’s return to action is new signing Cody Gakpo. The Dutch international, who joined from PSV Eindhoven last month, is yet to score a goal or assist in a red shirt, despite his good record at home prior to his transfer.
Gakpo, who signed for an initial fee of $45m (£37m/€42m) in January, has recorded 24 league assists over the past 18 months, many of which have come from a concealed weapon. He’s got plenty of attacking skills, but after examining his play, Liverpool’s latest signing has an unorthodox crossover characteristic to his profile. It is regularly used on the left and – being right-handed – tends to cut inwards often. However, instead of shooting every time, Gakpo sometimes chooses to hit tricky crosses in the direction Jota would normally be, around the five-yard box and the back post.
What are your thoughts
Be the first to comment
The Dutchman’s batting crosses are often subtle and precise, almost as if he had hit the ball with a golden club rather than his foot. Once Jota’s presence in the box is restored in the coming weeks, Gakpo will have a target to target.
Over the past month, Liverpool’s attack has suffered a dip as Klopp has prioritized fixing his leaky defence. With Jota back in the squad, the Reds should regain their firepower in the final third.
- Manchester United11 months ago
Mason Greenwood Has Confirmed His Departure From England For The white Country’s National Team
- Manchester United1 year ago
‘I pleaded with Him to join Arsenal but He chose Man united over us’: William Saliba confirmed His £45m international teammate have agreed personal terms to join Man united over Arsenal
- Manchester United1 year ago
‘He is making the biggest mistake in his career’: Kelvin De Bruyne CONFIRMED his £50m international teammate have agreed personal terms to join Man united ahead of Man City
- Uncategorized11 months ago
Man United news LIVE: Glazer takeover price’met,’ Sheikh Jassim reacts, Jadon Sancho swap agreement
- Manchester United1 year ago
Man city boss Pep Guardiola is UNHAPPY as €65m European star tells him nobody can stop him from joining Erik Ten Hag’s Man united this season.
- Manchester United1 year ago
Celebration at Old Trafford Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim arrives at Man United to sign the takeover deal (deal 100% done by Fabrizio Romano) unverified.
- Manchester United1 year ago
Monday morning done deal: Man united completed the signing of £50m superstar as potential replacement for Erikson,all paperwork work signed last night,player set to undergo his medical at London Carrington today
- Manchester United11 months ago
Man United takeover ‘will happen,’ says Sheikh Jassim, who is willing to pay another £2 billion to complete the deal.