The Stats Don’t Lie: Jota’s Claim to Liverpool’s Striker Role | OneFootball

Diogo Jota Sets His Sights on the Number 9 Role Under Arne Slot

Liverpool’s Premier League season opener against Ipswich Town showcased more than just a solid victory—it highlighted Diogo Jota’s determination to make the central striker position his own. Jota, who scored the first goal of the season, played with precision and intent, further establishing his credentials in a role that might suit him perfectly under Arne Slot’s new tactical system. But what really caught the eye were his post-match comments and the underlying statistics that suggest Jota could be the ideal candidate for the number 9 role in this new-look Liverpool side.

Photo: IMAGO

Jota’s Quotes Reveal His Mindset

After the match, Jota openly discussed how the shift under Slot differs from his experience under Jürgen Klopp, where he was often deployed in a wider position. Reflecting on his role in Slot’s side, Jota stated, “If I stay in the middle and wait for those chances to come in and score them, I think that is what I do the best, so you can take that into the season.” This statement clearly hints at Jota’s belief that his natural instincts as a poacher are best utilised centrally, and he seems eager to embrace the role that Slot has carved out for him.

He didn’t shy away from pointing out the difference from Klopp’s system, either, noting, “It’s obviously a bit different from [Jürgen] Klopp where I maybe was useful out wide. I think here [Slot] wants our wingers a lot more in one-v-ones and I think we have better options than myself!” Such candidness not only reveals his self-awareness but also his confidence in adapting to a position that could be pivotal for Liverpool this season.

Tactical Fit: Why Slot’s System Suits Jota

Arne Slot’s approach seems tailor-made for Jota’s skillset. Known affectionately as “Slotta” among fans, Jota could be the perfect embodiment of the high-pressing, quick-transition football that Slot advocates. His ability to read the game, time his runs, and execute clinical finishes make him a formidable option as a number 9. The tactical structure under Slot, which prioritises vertical passes and off-the-ball movement, plays to Jota’s strengths, enabling him to stay central and focus on his finishing.

In Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Ipswich, 10 out of 11 Liverpool players touched the ball in the build-up to Jota’s goal, an almost flawless team effort that highlights Slot’s cohesive style. Intriguingly, the only player not involved in that sequence was Dominik Szoboszlai, making it a near-perfect team goal that ended with Jota finishing clinically in the box.

Stats Backing Jota’s Positioning

The statistics from the opening weekend bolster Jota’s claim to the central role. According to WhoScored.com, Jota registered 11 touches in the opposition’s box, matching fellow Liverpool stars Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz, and even Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli. Only Bukayo Saka, who had 15 touches, managed more. This level of involvement in dangerous areas speaks volumes about Jota’s positioning and readiness to take on the number 9 mantle.

Jota’s awareness and ability to find space in crowded areas is a trait that gives him an edge. His instinct to stay central, as he mentioned in his post-match comments, aligns perfectly with Slot’s need for a central striker who can pounce on chances when they present themselves. As the season progresses, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Jota cementing himself as the first-choice striker if he continues to deliver these kinds of performances.

Competition For The Shirt: Gakpo, Díaz and Nunez

The competition for starting positions is fierce at Liverpool, especially in the forward line. Cody Gakpo has reportedly confirmed that Slot sees him primarily as a left-wing option, with Luis Díaz also vying for that spot. This dynamic opens up a clearer path for Jota to battle it out with Darwin Núñez for the central striker role. Given Jota’s versatility and fitness, it’s Núñez who might find himself under pressure to adapt or face limited minutes.

Jota’s ability to consistently get into scoring positions and his finishing accuracy make him a significant threat in Slot’s system. If he remains fit, Núñez will have a tough challenge on his hands trying to displace the Portuguese forward. Jota’s comments reflect a player fully aware of his strengths, ready to take the next step in his career as Liverpool’s primary number 9.