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Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp hails 'improved' Diogo Jota after he hits new landmark

Diogo Jota

Diogo Jota is becoming a world-class striker according to Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

The Portugal international - signed from Wolves - opened proceedings in the first half against Watford.

The goal was Jota's 14th goal from 27 Premier League appearances in 2021/22, and 20 goals in all competitions - the first time he has done so in a single season. A late penalty from Fabinho ensured it was their tenth successive win in the league.

The 25-year-old now has 33 from 70 games since joining Liverpool in September 2020 and has become a worthy addition alongside Mo Salah and Sadio Mane. His form has even pushed Roberto Firmino to the bench at the times this season.

"Since he came in he improved a lot, that is a little to do with his age, (but) he is growing into the top world-class striker role step by step," said Klopp.

"He is delivering for Portugal pretty consistently, which is a difficult job to do with all the offensive talent they have, so he is actually the player we thought he would be and also a little bit better."
Klopp said the forward's role is much different to the one he had when at Wolves and nobody can argue with those claims when you consider he is just six goals behind Salah in the race for the Golden Boot.
"It was always clear that Diogo is not a pure winger, Diogo is a striker who can play on the wing and defend the wing. Both wings, thank god," added Klopp.
"He played for us all three positions up front and did always really well.
"Where we struggle sometimes is being too static. This (the first goal) was a very fluent situation where Diogo was high up, a great cross and then if there is nobody there it is just a cross with no outcome.
"(But it was) a great goal. Absolutely. He is that guy. It was, for sure, always in him.
"I said it a couple of times: at Wolves, he had a different job and he did that job that good that we thought, we want him."
Jurgen Klopp celebrates after Liverpool vs Watford

Jota is targeting more goals and further contributions will be crucial if Liverpool are to not only overtake Manchester City in the title race, with next Sunday's clash at the Etihad looming on the horizon, but remain on course for an unlikely, unprecedented quadruple.

"It's the first time in my career that I reach 20, so just keep on going because we still have plenty to play for," the Portuguese told liverpoolfc.com.

Read more: Newcastle 'prepared' to sell Saint-Maximin and Aston Villa are 'monitoring' situation

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