Liverpool forward has rediscovered his game-changing ability after gaining clarity under Arne Slot

Diogo Jota is reaffirming his role as Liverpool’s ‘gamebreaker’ this season, following a decision by Arne Slot. The early signs were apparent in the season opener, where Jota’s decisive goal within the first 10 minutes against Crystal Palace secured a victory, keeping Liverpool at the top of the Premier League and supporting Slot’s strong start as Anfield’s boss.

Jota initiated the Slot era by scoring the first competitive goal under the Dutchman, leading Liverpool to a 2-0 win against Ipswich Town. Even when Liverpool fell behind to West Ham in the League Cup, Jota responded by netting both the equalizer and the second goal, turning the game in Liverpool’s favor for a 5-1 victory.

His impact this season extends beyond just scoring. In the home win over Brentford, it was Jota’s assist that allowed Luis Diaz to open the scoring. During a match against Wolves, he provided the cross that led to Ibrahima Konate’s powerful header.

The goal against Palace was particularly significant as it came just after Slot encouraged his team to create more opportunities for the central forward, with Jota currently competing against Darwin Nunez. Notably, of Liverpool’s 23 goals this season, only three have come from a number nine.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner commented, “We should defend the goal better… But Diogo scores many goals like this as his movement in the box is excellent.”

In recent seasons, Jota’s ability to score first had diminished; he achieved this in only four games last season and just twice the year before, compared to 14 times in a previous season. Injuries have played a significant role in this decline. He began last season as the number nine but was limited to only five more starts in that position due to fitness issues and competition from teammates.

This season, however, Jota has participated in all but one game, starting eight out of ten matches, primarily as a central striker. Clarity regarding his position has been beneficial, as Slot has made it clear that Jota, who previously played on the flanks under Jurgen Klopp, is now seen as a central player.

Slot remarked, “He puts a lot of effort in… but he works in a smart way. Without the ball, he works really hard… but with the ball, he always understands when to drop, when to play deep, and a bit higher. He has a lot of tactical knowledge, and that helps us in certain parts of the game.”

The last time Jota avoided significant injury throughout a season, Liverpool came close to an unprecedented treble. Keeping him fit this season could be crucial for the team’s success.