Michael Owen has claimed Liverpool’s in-form forward Diogo Jota is ‘the signing of the season’ after his blistering start to the campaign.
Liverpool signed the Portugal international from Wolves for £41million in the summer and he has been in fine form so far, with nine goals in his first 15 games.
But former Anfield hero Owen said few expected Jota to be as impressive as he has been in the opening stages of the season.
‘No one could’ve predicted that he would hit the ground running like he has,’ the ex-Liverpool and England striker said on BT Sport.
‘You’d have to say he’s the best signing of the season so far in the Premier League.
‘He’s surprised me with his pace, I must admit. I think he’s far quicker than I gave him credit for. Against Atalanta he was electric.
‘He just shows composure. A lot of people panic, they just get a shot off as soon as they get any form of space.
‘I just think he’s scored headers, right foot, left foot, he’s scored everything so far and he’s looked the real deal in terms of linking play.
‘Nobody could have envisaged the quality that he’s shown so far.’
Jota, 23, appeared to be a high-end substitute for Liverpool’s feared frontline of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane when he signed in the summer.
But he has proven himself to be far more influential for Jurgen Klopp’s side in what is a particularly gruelling season, with competitions compressed due to the pandemic.
The Portugal international showed his worth again in the 1-1 draw with Brighton on Saturday, netting the opening goal with a low shot after a clever dummy.
The match ended with VAR controversy when Pascal Gross converted a dubious penalty given for Andy Robertson’s challenge on Danny Welbeck, but it was another excellent showing from Jota.
He was similarly lively against Ajax in the Champions League on Tuesday night as he kept his starting spot, with Liverpool demonstrating their steel in a 1-0 win.