Diogo Jota : Why He’s Liverpool’s Go-To Man for Big Games | OneFootball

Diogo Jota’s Game-Changing Impact: Why He Must Start Against Forest

In football, some players are built for the big moments, and Diogo Jota proved yet again that he belongs in that category. Against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool’s No. 20 demonstrated why he should be starting crucial matches, not warming the bench for experiments like the false-nine role handed to Luis Díaz. Let’s dive into the details and stats that reinforce this argument.

Jota’s Immediate Impact: A Story of Seconds

Substitutes are often expected to need time to adjust to the game’s tempo, but not Diogo Jota. In a matter of seconds, he changed the game. At 64:57, Kostas Tsimikas entered the fray. Just four seconds later, at 65:01, Jota joined him. By 65:23, the two combined for Liverpool’s equaliser. It was a moment of brilliance and decisiveness that underscored Jota’s importance.

Photo: IMAGO

The forward revealed post-match, “I said to him (Kostas), ‘let’s go down and re-create your assist (cup game a few years ago, go down and take the corner).’” The result? A goal that epitomised synergy and tactical awareness. This isn’t luck—it’s a player stepping up with intent and execution.

Goals, Versatility, and Undervalued Contributions

Jota’s impact is quantifiable. Since joining Liverpool in September 2020, he’s proven himself one of the most versatile scorers in the Premier League. Only three players have scored 10+ goals with their right foot, left foot, and head in this period: Erling Haaland, Ollie Watkins, and Diogo Jota. This trio exemplifies adaptability, and Jota’s inclusion alongside Haaland speaks volumes about his quality.

Jota’s versatility isn’t just about where he scores from—it’s also how and when. After Mohamed Salah, Jota is Liverpool’s most senior attacker, a status that carries weight. His experience, combined with his ability to deliver in key moments, makes him invaluable.

Impressive Stats: Efficiency Over Minutes

This season, Jota’s stats tell a compelling story. In 960 minutes, he has delivered 8 goals and 2 assists, averaging a goal or assist every 96 minutes. For context, this is the hallmark of a clinical forward who thrives on efficiency. The question, then, is why Liverpool would gamble on such a talent in anything less than critical moments.

Photo: IMAGO

It’s baffling to see his limited minutes being wasted on low-stakes matches, like potential cup ties against lower-tier opposition. If Jota’s time on the pitch is restricted, it needs to be optimised for league games and marquee fixtures.

Time to Scrap the False-Nine Experiment

The false-nine experiment with Luis Díaz has its merits, but against tough opposition, the numbers don’t lie: Jota is the better choice. His off-the-ball movement, sharp positioning, and ability to combine with teammates make him a more complete forward in the central role. As seen against Forest, his quick understanding with Tsimikas isn’t an anomaly but a pattern.

Big games require players who seize moments and convert opportunities, and that’s precisely what Jota does. Experiments can wait for pre-season; Liverpool needs their proven game-changer leading the line.

Diogo Jota is a player who rises to the occasion with unmatched versatility and efficiency. As Liverpool aims to secure vital points and trophies, the message is clear: stop experimenting, and start trusting Jota in the big games. After all, stats and moments don’t lie—Jota is Liverpool’s main character after Salah.