[ad_1]
With a mixture of amazement and frustration, Hector Bellerin insisted that his team would be stupid if it judged itself by Liverpool’s exacting standards.
They are the best in Europe, he said, arguing that Arsenal cannot change their entire identity, because a team with such obvious quality taught them a lesson.
It’s a message that applies not just to the Reds’ rivals, but to any newcomers to Anfield as well.
When surrounded by such a class, it would be understandable for people like Diogo Jota to wonder how quickly he will adapt to such a rarefied level.
Fabinho and Andy Robertson, now the mainstays of the team, took six months to settle in. Naby Keita, 18 full months.
So relief was palpable for Portuguese international Jota, as he marked his home debut with a spirited performance and a fine goal.
(Image: POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
“It means a lot, really,” he said of his goal. “When you get to a team that is world champion, you always want to try to adapt as quickly as possible.
“The way (the players) received me is exceptional. I just thank you for the way you have received me. I think we can build from here and do great things in the future.
“I’m very happy with this: getting my first goal in my first game. [at Anfield]. Obviously I could have done better, I had a couple of chances before, but I helped the team seal the three points, that’s the most important thing ”.
(Image: Pool via REUTERS)
In fact, Jota had three good chances, and also created several chances for his fellow forwards, in a cameo at the end of Arsenal’s win.
And by producing such a vibrant debut at Anfield, he hinted at a solution to perhaps the most pressing problem facing Jurgen Klopp as he plans Liverpool’s title defense.
They have a strong squad, with real depth in defense and midfield.
But up front, there has been little adequate coverage for the celebrated trio of Salah, Mane and Firmino.
It seems like a huge weakness, but Jota can make the Reds’ night more daunting rivals, as former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher noted.
(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
“I always felt that Liverpool needed to get stronger, to cover Mane more than anywhere else,” he said.
“If Salah is out, you can put Mane on the right – Mane has played in front, Salah in front – it wasn’t necessarily a fixed position, it’s just that the rest of them can move if Jota enters from the left.
“He brings a real and urgent presence, and that is important because there cannot be passengers on this Liverpool team, it is like a machine.
“That is the most important thing about him, said Pep Ljinders, Klopp’s number two, he is an urgent monster.”
“The Liverpool center forward scored a goal at home last season, but he plays every week because he puts pressure.
“Jota is off to a great start with the goal, but a big part will be what he does without the ball and if you don’t do anything off the ball for Liverpool, even if you have a few goals, Klopp will.” do not accept it “.
Certainly, Jota has already earned the admiration of his teammates and the defender right behind him, Andy Robertson.
“I thought it was fantastic. I show him the merit of his debut, a great goal and a great performance in general ”.
Subscribe to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.
[ad_2]
