Pundit explains what ‘surprised’ him about ‘signing of the season’ Jota
Michael Owen has labelled Liverpool forward Diogo Jota as the “signing of the season” in the Premier League.
Jota has made an instant impact since his move from Wolves, which came as something of a surprise at first. However, he is already proving his worth after his big money move.
The Portugal international has scored nine goals in his first 15 games for Liverpool – including goals in all four of his appearances at Anfield in the league.
Few had thought that Liverpool’s front three of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane could be dislodged, but Jota’s form has asked questions of the former in particular.
Indeed, more than half of Jota’s appearances so far for Liverpool have been starts, showing that Jurgen Klopp considers him an essential part of his setup.
Jota was one of a handful of additions at Anfield in the summer transfer window. Thiago Alcantara was the headline arrival, but he has been unable to build up momentum so far.
That means Jota has been the signing with the biggest impact for Liverpool – and former Reds striker Owen thinks he has even done better than any other signing in the Premier League.
“No one could’ve predicted that he would hit the ground running like he has,” Owen told BT Sport.
“You’d have to say he’s the best signing of the season so far in the Premier League.
“He’s surprised me with his pace, I must admit. I think he’s far quicker than I gave him credit for. Against Atalanta he was electric.
“He just shows composure; a lot of people panic, they just get a shot off as soon as they get any form of space.
“I just think he’s scored headers, right foot, left foot, he’s scored everything so far and he’s looked the real deal in terms of linking play.
“Nobody could have envisaged the quality that he’s shown so far.”
Klopp liked Jota from the start
Earlier this week, Liverpool boss Klopp explained his admiration of his recent recruit.
“Diogo, I liked, honestly, from the first game I saw him playing for Wolves. That’s how it is,” the manager said.
“He had no idea about that, obviously, but for me it was always clear that when he was kind of in reach, I would go for him because he’s very, very interesting and had an exciting career so far: what he did, where he’s come from, the moves he made, bam bam bam.
“I liked the discipline he showed, plus the creativity he showed, plus the desire he showed.”
