Micah Richards has claimed that what a Liverpool player always seems to do is “become ridiculous”.
Diogo Jota returned to action on Boxing Day after missing the Reds’ last eight games with a muscle injury and it took just a few minutes for the Portugal international to score again as Jurgen Klopp’s side cruised to a 2-0 win at Turf Moore. .
The 27-year-old’s return to fitness comes at a bright time for Liverpool, as Monday’s clash against Newcastle will mark Mo Salah’s final game before traveling to Africa to represent Egypt in the AFCON.
Former Manchester City defender Richards has compared Jota to former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the latter being well known during his playing career for his ability to score when introduced from the bench.
“Liverpool create a lot,” Richards told The Rest Is Football Podcast (via Rousing The Kop), when discussing Liverpool’s chances while without Mo Salah due to their AFCON involvement.
“Jota’s tastes. Jota just comes in and scores every time. He is becoming ridiculous! He has become the new Solskjaer.”
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Jota is a vital player for Liverpool and will become even more important in the coming weeks as we try to cope without Salah at the top of the pitch.
Our number 20’s goal at Turf Moor was his ninth of the season, meaning he is averaging a goal every two games this season (in all competitions).
His ability to operate on the left flank or in the center is extremely important to Klopp and co, so the hope is that he can now stay fit between now and the end of the season as we aim to compete on all four fronts. .
Our German tactician praised the former Wolves player in his press conference today and there is every chance he could return to the starting XI when we host Newcastle at Anfield on New Year’s Day.
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