Gianfranco Zola thinks Liverpool are blessed with ‘one of the cleverest players’ in the Premier League

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Liverpool forward Diogo Jota is “one of the cleverest players in the Premier League”, Gianfranco Zola has told BT Sport.

The Italy icon was speaking during the Reds’ meeting with Watford at Anfield on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp’s Reds dominated proceedings from the off and took the lead in the 22nd minute.

Diogo Jota got Liverpool underway with his 20th goal of the season, a deft header from Joe Gomez’s pinpoint cross.

It was his 14th goal in the Premier League this term also his seventh header for Liverpool in the top flight.

Also, 10 of Jota’s 20 goals in all competitions in 2021-22 have opened the scoring in Reds matches.

That highlights how important he has become to the team and to Klopp.

It was a real poacher’s goal and run off Christian Kabasele’s shoulder was outstanding.

“He’s one of the cleverest players in the whole of the Premier League,” Zola told BT Sport at half-time, via the Daily Mail.

Jota has been absolutely sensational for Liverpool since joining from Wolves, and he continues to get better and better.

But despite his goal and overall superb display, it wasn’t an easy afternoon for the Reds by any means.

Liverpool registered 20 efforts, but lacked the cutting edge to put the game beyond their opponents’ reach.

They finally got their second late on as Juraj Kucka gifted the hosts a penalty after a challenge on Jota.

Fabinho stepped up and emphatically dispatched his spot kick to make sure of all three points.