Jermain Defoe stated that Diogo Jota looked ‘quite sharp’ during Liverpool’s goalless draw at Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Tottenham academy coach was backed up by Michael Owen, who was impressed by Jota during one moment in the match when he volleyed his effort straight at Vicente Guaita, as well as seeing a header, from a very tight angle, hit the post.
This was the £41 million star’s (BBC Sport) first start under Jurgen Klopp this season since the return from the World Cup. He was out of action for several months because of a calf injury.
There were a number of moments where Jota could have provided that game-changing moment, but it just didn’t click for the Portugal star or he didn’t have that luck.
But with Darwin Nunez being on the sidelines once more, then Jota’s return to the starting XI is one big positive from yesterday.
And he is someone who was a shining light for the struggling Reds yesterday, according to Jermain Defoe and Michael Owen, as they told Premier League Productions (25/02/23 at 8:40 pm).
“I felt sorry for him on the second one because it’s really not a chance with the ball virtually out of play,” said Owen. “He did the best that he could.
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“I love this (volley in the first half). This technique. You get so tempted when the ball is dropping. I know Jermain (Defoe) was a brilliant volleyer of the ball. I thought his technique was brilliant there. He almost hit it too well because it goes straight (to the goalkeeper).”
Defoe added: “The didn’t come down enough for him to hit it at his lowest point. But he looks quite sharp, to be honest.”
LIVERPOOL’S CONFIDENCE ON THE FLOOR
That defeat to Real Madrid well and truly knocked the stuffing out of Liverpool.
If there was ever a game that defined a team devoid of confidence and lacking belief, then yesterday’s performance, especially at the back was a prime example of that.
But the Reds should look at the positives. Jota is back. The likes of Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Mo Salah now have another goal threat beside them and their chance to outscore their opponents amid their defensive struggles.
In other news, Arsenal transfer news: Juventus eye Gunners defender
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