Diogo Jota Must Start Every Game: Owen and Wright

Liverpool’s explosive new addition, 24-year old Portuguese forward Diogo Jota was brought on as a second half substitute in the game against Arsenal. The intent was obviously to freshen up the attack which in the first half consisted of the traditional front three - Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, and Sadio Mane. His impact on the game was immediate and astronomical - he scored a brace and livened up Liverpool’s second half performance.

And pundits Michael Owen and Ian Wright believe that has earned him a regular starting spot in the future for Jurgen Klopp.

When asked if Jota should start against Real Madrid in the upcoming Champions League tie, Owen said, “He plays. Definitely.”

“He’s come back from international duty, scoring three goals in two games. I think he’s going to start. We’ve spoken about the three attacking players for Liverpool, never being challenged. You would have thought he’s coming in for backup but in the blink of an eye – he’s had a decent sized injury in the middle as well – all of a sudden, I think if it’s the Champions League final tomorrow he’s one of the first names, he’s certainly starting.”

Ian Wright agreed saying, “You can’t disagree with that. You look at the three guys up front, they’re getting to that stage of their career, 29, 30s.”

“You look at Roberto Firmino, who is one of my favourites. Because of maybe his goal output, which people can have a dig at him for, but what he brings to the team is magnificent. But what Jota brings, apart from the work rate and the press, is the goals, the impact.

“You need that next person there. He’s obviously there. He’s ready to go. We’re talking about not being there for so long and he’s in, scoring goals and you feel he’s just going to be a mainstay, without a shadow of a doubt.”