Portuguese media reacts to perfect Jota incident in Portugal v Denmark
Diogo Jota has flattered to deceive in a Liverpool shirt at times this season but he reminded everyone of the talent he has during the international break.
The 28-year-old has struggled to hit the heights expected of him for the Reds this season, scoring only five goals and providing just three assists in 18 Premier League appearances this campaign.
The former Wolves star has only managed 10 starts in the English top flight due to a combination of injury problems and Arne Slot preferring other players to him.
Jota experienced a similar scenario on Sunday (23 March) when he had to wait until the 62nd minute to be introduced in Portugal’s Nations League game against Denmark.
However, the versatile forward was able to get plenty of time on the pitch to prove his worth due to the fixture going to extra time as the score was 3-3 on aggregate after 90 minutes.
Portugal went on to win the match 5-2 on the night and 5-3 on aggregate, with a Joachim Andersen own goal, a Francisco Trinacao brace, and goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos doing the business.
Diogo Jota made a positive impact for Portugal
Jota wasn’t able to get on the scoresheet for Portugal, but he did make a positive impact and picked up an assist for the final goal of the game.
The Liverpool star created two chances throughout his 58-minute performance as he showcased glimpses of himself at his very best.
| Match Stats | Jota |
| Total Shots | 1 |
| Accurate Passes | 16/21 (76%) |
| Touches | 30 |
| Passes Into Final Third | 3 |
Abola gave Jota a 7/10 for his performance on the night, adding, “Came on in the 62nd minute to bring danger and intensity to the inner areas of the attack and he succeeded. Not so much with the ball, but more due to intelligent movements that opened up spaces in the opposing defense. And, in the 112th minute, when he did have the ball, he perfectly set up Goncalo Ramos for the final 5-2.”
Record went on to claim that Jota replacing Rafael Leao “ended up changing Portugal’s attack” as his efforts more than made a mark from the bench.
Diogo Jota could fall victim of a Liverpool overhaul
Jota has been at Liverpool since 2020 and was a regular in the squad under Jurgen Klopp, but he has failed to make the same mark under the new regime.
It’s something that could lead to the Portugal international being swept up in Liverpool’s expected summer overhaul of the squad as Slot prepares to put his fingerprints on the squad.
Jota’s inability to overcome injury issues has led to him taking a backseat for much of the season, and with Slot frustrated with his offensive options, it is believed that Liverpool are open to offers for him.