Arne Slot previously detailed what he loved about Diogo Jota as a player for Liverpool

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Diogo Jota was a magnificent player for Liverpool and someone who Arne Slot clearly had a lot of trust in to make the difference.

Jota tragically passed away following a car accident with his brother in Zamora, Spain, during the late hours of Wednesday evening.

The 28-year-old played 182 matches for the Merseyside club, scoring 65 goals, whilst also notching a further 26 assists.

The Portuguese star was a major success at Anfield as he helped win the Premier League title last season, along with an FA Cup in 2022 and two League Cups in 2022 and 2024.

Despite two injuries throughout the campaign, Jota ensured he was available and ready to make an impact in the Reds’ title bid, and Slot was very grateful for his impact.

When Arne Slot hailed Diogo Jota’s football intelligence

Speaking back in December 2024, Arne Slot spoke about the importance of Diogo Jota to Liverpool en route to their 20th league title.

Slot hailed Jota’s intelligence following a 2-2 draw with Fulham at Anfield, in which the forward came off the bench to score a late equaliser.

The Reds looked to be in some trouble of dropping all three points at home to the West London club, only for Jota to help rescue a crucial point.

The Dutch manager claimed that he ‘couldn’t have asked for any more’ from the goalscorer and revealed how nice it was to have him back after a spell on the sidelines through injury.

Speaking after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Fulham, Slot told the media: “We had Jota back, Harvey Elliott, we have players back, and they showed up. I couldn’t have asked for more.

“Jota is so intelligent with his positioning and with what to do with the ball. It was a great team goal.”

Klopp also spoke about Jota’s intelligence, whilst also hailing the forward as the perfect Liverpool signing.

Liverpool have issued a statement on Jota’s death, revealing that the club “will continue to provide them (Jota’s family) with our full support”.

Diogo Jota’s record under Arne Slot at Liverpool

As mentioned, Jota’s season was impacted by an injury which kept him sidelined for 14 matches, but he still very much left his mark.

Under Slot, the former Wolves star netted nine goals and a further four assists in 37 appearances, as Liverpool won the Premier League.

His ability to play in several different roles across the attack made him an invaluable asset for Slot’s squad throughout the season.

Jota was one of the Premier League’s most underrated players, with his statistics and trophy haul at Anfield suggesting the same.