Diogo Jota is determined to end the current season on a high note, bouncing back from yet another injury-hit experience at Liverpool. The Portuguese striker recently put an end to a 10-match goalless run with a decisive strike in the Merseyside derby against Everton.
With his strike tally reaching nine for the campaign across 30 games – featuring six Premier League goals from 19 appearances – Jota has made 19 starts but was sidelined for 15 matches due to injuries.
The forward had kicked off the season vigorously as Arne Slot’s preferred choice up top until an upper-body injury suffered in a clash with Chelsea in October threw him off course. His recovery was further hampered by another injury in January, not long after he returned to action.
Finding his form again took time, and even Jota himself acknowledged his previous struggles before Liverpool’s Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain last month.
Amidst this backdrop of personal challenges, Jota’s future at Liverpool has been subject to speculation. Despite the team’s promising position in the Premier League title chase under Slot, Jota yearns to deliver more standout performances for the club, citing his recent derby goal as one of his cherished moments.
“I hope there’s some more moments to come,” Jota expressed on Liverpool’s official website. “I think it’s obviously a special one because of it being a derby. But also because of the critical moment that we are in in the season where we need to grab those points to be able to win the league. That’s what we all want.
“Maybe, because of the importance (it is my favorite goal). I think now this one being a match-winner obviously has more importance. For sure one of my favorites.
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“I remember when I came back from one of my injuries against Fulham as well, that goal was really important. I think I scored quite a few important goals this season and that’s always what I try to do.
“Obviously this season in general is not what we want, with a few setbacks. But every time I’m on the pitch, I try to help the team. We all know that players aren’t always in their best shape in terms of numbers. But in terms of effort, I think I’ve always been the same every time I’m on the pitch.”
Jota has netted 65 times in 175 matches since making the switch to Liverpool from Wolves for an upfront fee of £41m in September 2020. His time at Anfield, although hampered by injuries, has seen him win both the League Cup and FA Cup.
Now at 28 years old and eyeing the Premier League crown, his latest strike against Everton ensured Liverpool maintained their solid 12-point advantage atop the league standings, with just eight fixtures remaining before they head to play Fulham on Sunday.
