Liverpool star Diogo Jota makes good Arne Slot impression after what he did on Monday
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota impressed for Portugal in their win against Slovenia at Euro 2024 [1 July].
Portugal needed penalties to progress past Slovenia after a 0-0 draw in Frankfurt on Monday and won the shootout 3-0.
Jota started on the bench once again and was introduced in the 65 minute for Vitinha and managed to leave an impact on the match, which will have impressed his Reds boss Arne Slot.
He won a penalty in the 105th minute, albeit his superstar team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo saw the effort saved by Jan Oblak.
Liverpool star Jota should start ahead of emotional Ronaldo
Ronaldo was emotional and consoled by teammates on the pitch following his saved penalty.
The 39-year-old is yet to score a goal in the European Championships.
Ronaldo will go down as one of the greatest players to ever play the beautiful game.
But while his career continues well past what is considered retirement age it may be time for him to step aside for a new striker to hold the mantle for Portugal.
Jota has struggled for minutes at Euro 2024 so far and was criticised in Portuguese media for his performance against Georgia [Jornal de Noticas, 27 June].
As per Sofascore, he enjoyed a more successful outing against Slovenia with a 7.3 match rating.
With his one successful dribble (100%) he won a penalty and Portugal’s biggest chance of the match.
He also recorded one key pass playing Ronaldo through on goal, only for him to fire his effort straight at Oblak.
Arguably the best finisher at Liverpool, the 27-year-old has more to offer Portugal than substitute appearances.
So far he has 0.3 shots on target across the competition with one shot on target against Slovenia.
His big chance missed against Georgia was a highlight of that defeat but he continues to be in the conversation despite not starting a game in the tournament so far.
Jota made one tackle that led to a big chance and won 55 percent of his ground duels.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez is blessed to have a player like Jota as his disposal.
After yet another disappointing Portugal performance changes will need to be made.
There is no chance he drops Ronaldo for their quarter final match against France on Friday.
Jota needs to start to show his Liverpool form on the international stage.
In other Liverpool news, Liverpool justified in rejecting Newcastle United transfer offer for Jarell Quansah.
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