This ‘Underrated’ Liverpool Star Will Play a Huge Role in Premier League Title Chase – Opinion | OneFootball

Liverpool 2-2 Fulham: Diogo Jota Saves the Day for Arne Slot’s Side

Upon first thought, I was frustrated after the 2-2 draw with Fulham, especially with the late pressure being applied by Arne Slot’s side. However, following Arsenal’s draw against Everton and Manchester City’s collapse against Manchester United – it’s a solid point.

Coming back from behind twice, whilst playing 73 minutes with ten men, is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Huge credit must go to Diogo Jota, who after two months out injured, returned to rescue a valuable point for the Reds.

Jota the Slotter Returns

Slotter by name, slotter by nature. The number 20’s cool finish in the 86th minute was not only a point-saving goal, but also one that sent a strong reminder to those questioning his importance. Over recent weeks, there have been huge questions over Liverpool’s lack of a goalscoring number nine, largely down to Darwin Nunez’s struggles.

Photo: IMAGO

It wasn’t just the equaliser that spoke volumes on Jota’s impact either. Looking at the deeper numbers from his performance, they’re really impressive considering he was only on the pitch for 20 minutes in total.

Jota has 22 touches, completing 3/3 dribbles, making two key passes, won four ground duels and one aerial duel. For perspective, that’s more successful dribbles, key passes and duels won that Luis Diaz managed in his 99 minutes on the pitch.

He ‘Must Start’

With the returns of both Jota and Federico Chiesa, Slot now has all six of his attacking options available again. With the Carabao Cup Quarter-Final against Southampton looming, it’ll be interesting to see how he manages their minutes.

Photo: IMAGO

However, one thing I know for sure, is that I would be eyeing a starting spot for Jota in that huge clash against Tottenham Hotspur next Sunday. The Portuguese forward has scored three goals in three starts against the North London outfit and could be huge in exploiting the space against a makeshift defence that has involved the likes of Archie Gray, Radu Dragusin and Djed Spence recently.

In terms of fitness, hopefully that rib injury is behind him now and to be fair, he looked fairly robust in his challenges at the weekend. His return is going to be a huge boost, especially over the busy festive period that sees Liverpool play Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City and West Ham United all in the space of 11 days.

It will also hopefully relieve some of the immense pressure and scrutiny on Nunez, as he continues his struggles to find a consistent run of form.