Add as preferred source on Google

Paul Merson has been blown away by the way Diogo Jota has effortlessly slotted into the Liverpool XI, claiming there’s an art to the way he times his runs off the ball.

The Reds signed the 23-year-old in the summer transfer window from Wolverhampton Wanderers and it’s a huge compliment to him that he’s managed to break into an attacking formation that has been something special in the last few years.

Jota, who is a versatile forward that can play anywhere across the forward line, has added even more of a goal threat alongside Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

The Portuguese speedster already has seven goals in 11 appearances across all competitions and could be vital immediately after the international break while Salah goes through a period of isolation.

Merson has waxed lyrical over Liverpool’s latest fan favourite and is amazed at his quick start at Anfield:

“With Jota it’s quite simple. He gives you goals. There’s an art in making runs without the ball and he’s so good at it,” Merson told the Daily Star.

“He fits like a glove at Liverpool. They all make runs like they KNOW they are going to get the ball. They run at full pelt and it opens up space.”

TBR’s View:

Jota often blew hot and gold during his Wolves career, which is why his £41million (BBC) transfer to Merseyside in the summer is not one that disappointed the Wolves fanbase too much.

He showed in stages that he’s a top class talent that can terrorise defences and he’s had that form throughout his brief Liverpool career so far, making his transfer cost look a bargain right now.

His recent start during the 1-1 Premier League showdown with Manchester City proves that he’s forced his way into Jurgen Klopp’s best XI right now and it seems impossible to leave him out when he’s providing such a goal threat.