NBC pundit backs returning Liverpool ace to make a difference in Jurgen Klopp’s first-choice XI

Robbie Mustoe insists that Liverpool should restore Diogo Jota to their strongest starting XI

NBC commentator Robbie Mustoe lauded Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his importance to the senior team’s starting eleven. Jota made a surprise return from injury against Burnley in the Premier League Boxing Day match, scoring the second goal.

Liverpool beat the Clarets 0-2 at Turf Moor to continue their title challenge as the Premier League reached mid-way. The Reds led 1-0 when Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp substituted Jota in for Darwin Nunez in the 84^th minute.

The 27-year-old showed his clinical precision when he scored a goal from a tight angle in the 90^th

minute. At a crucial stage, the return of the Portuguese international coincides with Mohamed Salah’s upcoming departure for AFCON next month.

Jota missed eight games in all competitions after sustaining a muscle injury during the draw against Manchester City. The Portugal international has scored nine goals in 18 appearances for the Reds in all competitions this season.

Mustoe told NBC Sports (h/t YouTube) that Jota should be part of Liverpool’s strongest starting XI for his goal-scoring abilities. He said:

“I feel like Liverpool still are trying to find their best team, and Diogo Jota for me has got to be in it. His numbers are much better, he’s been out injured, he’s a goal scorer, he’s such a good player, a versatile player.”

Liverpool’s attacking department has faced criticism for being too wasteful in front of goals in recent months. The Reds have struggled to create clear-cut chances and when they have, they lacked composure to finish them.

Klopp has deployed vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold as an inverted right-back which has both the positive and negative effects. Trent drifts into the central role to use his playmaking abilities but that leaves the Reds with no overlapping fullbacks.

The situation creates congestion in the attacking third at times, making it easy for the opposition to defend narrowly. Jota is the best finisher at the club right now, capable of scoring goals from tight spaces with quick touches.

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The Reds need the Portuguese international to continue his rich form and avoid any further injuries. Liverpool needs their attacking department to be clinical when their top goal scorer, Salah leaves for the ACFON competition.