Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp already has Roberto Firmino's replacement

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By Sam Brookes

Published Feb 22, 2022

Liverpool could already have the ideal replacement for Roberto Firmino in the shape of Diogo Jota. The Portuguese striker has had standout season at Anfield.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Roberto Firmino of Liverpool celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield on February 24, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Diogo Jota is viewed as the ideal successor to Roberto Firmino as the club's central striker by Liverpool, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Portuguese forward has played in this role on a number of occasions this season, and Jones expects that to continue for the foreseeable future due to the success that he has had at Anfield.

How has Jota fared this season?

The 25-year-old had a solid first campaign at Liverpool when he arrived on Merseyside ahead of the 2020/21 season. Across all competitions, he netted 13 goals for Jurgen Klopp's men.

He has taken his game to a new level altogether this term, though.

Jota has scored 17 goals for the Reds in 2021/22, establishing himself as one of the finest attackers in England's top division.

His goals have ensured that Liverpool are still in the hunt for four trophies heading into the final months of the season.

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What has Jones said about Jota?

There have been reports of Liverpool potentially making a move for Kylian Mbappe this summer as his contract at PSG is set to expire in June.

However, Jones thinks the Premier League outfit are already happy with Jota, and he has tipped the attacker to be central to the team's plans moving forward.

When asked if Jota is now viewed as the main No. 9 to take over from Firmino, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I think that’s how he’ll be seen now. He’s done such a good job of fitting in with the system and the connections that he’s made, the way he arrives at the right time to score the goals that he has.

“The style of goals he’s been scoring has been really impressive, his mindset has been perfect in terms of taking time to adapt. I think that he’s the perfect guy to fit into that role, to be honest, right now. It looks like, I’m hearing, Jota will be the guy that steps up.”

Is Jota the best striker in the Premier League right now?

He's certainly in the conversation.

Chelsea spent the best part of £100m on Romelu Lukaku last season, but he has struggled to fit into Thomas Tuchel's system, and he only managed seven touches against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Harry Kane has dipped below his usual high level at times this season, although he was back to his best in Tottenham's win over Manchester City on the weekend.

Looking across the entire campaign, it seems that Jota has been the most consistent No. 9 in the league, chipping in with important goals to keep Liverpool in the title race.

Firmino has been vital to the side's success in recent years, but in Jota, Liverpool appear to have a player who is ready to take over from the Brazilian as the team's main man through the middle.