Michael Owen reacts to Diogo Jota’s brace in first-half of Liverpool tie

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Michael Owen has told BT Sport (3/11; 20:53) that Diogo Jota is a special talent following a first-half in which the Liverpool forward scored two superb goals in their latest Champions League tie.

Jota got the nod to start against Atalanta after an outstanding start to his career at Anfield. And he vindicated Jurgen Klopp’s decision in emphatic fashion within 33 minutes.

The former Wolves man opened the scoring with a delicious chip over the goalkeeper after a brilliant pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold.

And his second goal came when he smashed the ball home from inside the penalty area. It was another excellent finish from the Portuguese.

Jota went into the game having scored in his previous three games for the Reds. And Owen insisted that he has certainly managed to pile even more pressure on Roberto Firmino with his first-half performance in Italy.

“We’ve been thinking leading up to this game has he done enough already to dislodge that unbelievable front three,” he told BT Sport at half-time. “And you give Firmino [credit], he has done it over a long period of time. However, his goals have dried up a little bit. His assists have dried up a little bit.

“Now this lad’s coming in. He can assist as well as score goals. We’ve seen tonight, could’ve scored a hat-trick already. He’s pretty special.”

It has been a remarkable start to life at Liverpool for Jota. He is clearly well on his way towards vindicating the club’s decision to part with £41 million in the summer (via BBC Sport).

It is almost frightening to think that the forward is just 23. The likes of Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are at their peaks.

But Jota – who completed his hat-trick after the break – is keeping up with them right now. And he seemingly has some time to go before he is at his best.