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Had it not been for the coronavirus outbreak, chances are high that Timo Werner would have been the player Liverpool were targeting to supplement their front row for the summer.
Since the finances of such a deal were not doing well amid the chaos caused by the pandemic, a deal was later reached for Diogo Jota to arrive from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a package that would make them pay much less upfront for his new arrival.
The pair’s price tags were similar, with Werner’s release clause close to the £ 45m maximum fee Liverpool agreed to for Jota with add-ons included.
But the pay structure made the Portuguese forward much more attractive and viable.
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Liverpool’s liking for Jota is clear from the data – the underlying numbers always showed that he could light up with better players around him.
And at 23, he’s the perfect age for that to happen, similar to where Sadio Mane was in his career when he arrived from Southampton.
On the Analyzing Anfield podcast, Josh Williams said: “Jota was outstanding [in the 5-0 win at Atalanta]. He scored a hat-trick and his complete game was flawless.
“There were three forwards who tend to run away from the ball rather than get close to it, which can sometimes lead to structural problems because the midfield is completely separated from the attack line.
“But Jota was in the middle, and he did the things Roberto Firmino did: retreat to midfield, offer the glue and lead the press. He played it as he had done for years.”
David Hughes added: “He’s so versatile. He’s played on the left, but he gets to that role number nine and he did really well.
“He was really aggressive, his off-shoulder movement was brilliant and he looked fantastic. He brought everything Firmino brings, but he had the clinical advantage that Firmino has been missing for a while.
“He is almost the profile and the player everyone expects Timo Werner to be, and the reason Liverpool wanted to sign Werner.”
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“Jota has become that person and has filled that void. It’s early and you don’t want to put too much pressure on him, but Liverpool have a good deal.”
Fortunately or not, the decision to choose Jota over Werner is proving to be the right one for Liverpool and Michael Edwards.
Werner could still have been an excellent addition. But by opting for a less obvious target that made more financial sense, Liverpool discovered another bargain.
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