MX23RW : Sunday, October 6 07:30:10| >> :120:33129:33129:

Diogo Jota wants to become "a big influence" at Liverpool

Diogo Jota wants to become
© Reuters
The Portugal international is making good progress in recovering from a knee injury and could return before the end of January.

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota may have made an instant impact following his transfer from Wolves but believes he has to work harder to become "a big influence".

The Portugal international scored nine goals in 17 appearances – including becoming only the club's third player to score a Champions League hat-trick away from home – before a knee problem curtailed his progress.

Injury in the dead rubber against Midtjylland in early December initially ruled out the 24-year-old for two months but he is making good progress and could possibly return before the end of January.

Diogo Jota is keen to bounce back from a knee injury to make a big impression when he is fit again
Diogo Jota is keen to bounce back from a knee injury to make a big impression when he is fit again (Laurence Griffiths/PA)

"Things are going well but knee injuries are always complicated so we cannot rush things but I am doing well and I will be back on the field as soon as possible," he said.

"When I'm fit I know that I'll give my best in each training session and then each day to give myself a chance of playing.

"In Portugal they used to say the hardest thing is not to arrive but to stay there.

"So that of course is my target. Now that I have achieved a move to Liverpool I want to be a big influence in this club and that's what I try to do every day."

Jota surprised many by hitting the ground running following his £41million move in September.

He became the first Liverpool player to score on his first four appearances at home and even slotted in seamlessly with the established front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, with manager Jurgen Klopp trusting him to play alongside the trio in November's 1-1 draw at Manchester City.

The Portuguese believes it is a role he can reprise when he is fit again.

"When I first came my target was to get into the team and to know what we have to do on the field," he said in an interview with Liverpool's matchday programme.

"After that the aim is to give your best and take advantage of the opportunities you might have and that's all I always try to do.

"Can we play as a four more often in the future? You would need to ask the manager as he is the one that decides."

Klopp could certainly do with the forward's versatility to freshen up a forward line which looked a little jaded in the goalless draw at Newcastle.

Xherdan Shaqiri could be one of Jurgen Klopp's options if he wants to freshen up his forward line
Xherdan Shaqiri could be one of Jurgen Klopp's options if he wants to freshen up his forward line (Peter Powell/PA)

Instead he may have to manufacture changes at Southampton on Monday with the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Xherdan Shaqiri if he is to rest his tried-and-trusted trio.

Jota will be watching from home but admits it has been a frustrating five weeks for him.

"Now I am supporting from the outside it is not easy," he said.

"It's even harder when you need to suffer as a fan and you can do literally nothing to help the team on the field."

ID:429036: cacheID:429036:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:14794:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Liverpool's Diogo Jota celebrates scoring against Leicester City in the Premier League on November 22, 2020
Read Next:
Diogo Jota determined to become "a big influence" at Liverpool
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
2.30pm
Jets
@
Vikings
6pm
Panthers
@
Bears
6pm
Ravens
@
Bengals
6pm
Colts
@
Jags
6pm
Dolphins
@
Patriots
6pm
Bills
@
Texans
6pm
Browns
@
Washington
9.05pm
Cardinals
@
49ers
9.05pm
Raiders
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Packers
@
Rams
9.25pm
Giants
@
Seahawks
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool76011321118
2Manchester CityMan City7520178917
3Arsenal7520156917
4Chelsea6411157813
5Aston Villa6411129313
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle733187112
7Fulham7322108211
8Tottenham HotspurSpurs6312125710
9Brentford73131313010
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton623110829
11Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest62316519
12West Ham UnitedWest Ham72231011-18
13Bournemouth7223810-28
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd621358-37
15Leicester CityLeicester7133912-36
16Everton7124715-85
17Ipswich TownIpswich7043614-84
18Crystal Palace7034510-53
19Southampton7016415-111
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves7016921-121


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!