Jurgen Klopp’s Reds unexpectedly find themselves top of the table, following a disastrous campaign last time around. Much of the credit for the turnaround ought to go to Egyptian star Mohamed Salah. The winger is putting out a masterful season with 14 goals and 8 assists in 20 league games. Yet, the Merseyside team will be soon without their prized asset as the winger is set to leave for the African Cup of Nations. Naturally, the expectation would be on $81 million striker Darwin Nunez to provide the goals but it seems people prefer the ‘important‘ Diogo Jota over him.

Mohamed Salah could miss up to 4 Premier League games due to the AFCON, provided Egypt reach the finals. The most crucial of these matches is the one against title challengers Arsenal at the Emirates on February 4.

‘Next to Mohamed Salah’, pundit raves about Liverpool attacker’s finishing skills

Diogo Jota has never received the acclaim of Mohamed Salah. However, that could be about to change as per Nigel Reo-Coker on the CBS Sports Golazo. Analyzing Jota’s performance against  New Castle, he said, “look at Liverpool in the sense of when Diego Jota came on. He was for me, that game changer because next to Mo Salah he’s the most clinical finisher.” 

The pundit also implied that Jota will be Liverpool’s main in attack without Salah. “He’s going to be important for this run, while Mo Salah is missing an African Cup of Nations and you can see how much an influence he has in the final third“, he added.

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This season, the Portuguese attacker has scored 9 goals and provided 2 assists in 19 games. While the numbers might not be the most impressive, it is worth noting that Jota started many of these games from the bench. Moreover, he is a versatile player, capable of playing anywhere in attack.

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However, the pundit did not share the same sentiment regarding Darwin Nunez. He termed the Uruguayan as his ‘biggest worry’ and it is hard to disagree with him.

Time running out for Darwin Nunez

The Uruguayan attacker was seen as the 2nd coming of Luis Suarez by Liverpool fans. However, he has yet to justify the hype and talent. In his first full season, he scored 15 goals in 42 games. This season, he looks more comfortable on the pitch but has just 8 goals in 28 games. Not the figures you would expect from your club’s 2nd biggest signing.

Another issue for Darwin Nunez has been his Norwegian rival, Erling Haaland. The Man City no 9 arrived in the same window as Nunez but has taken the league by storm. Recently, a pundit even claimed that Nunez won’t be Haaland’s equal. Considering Salah’s absence, Nunez must step up else his future at the club looks in jeopardy.

Will Diogo Jota replace Mohamed Salah? Tell us in the comments below.

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