Clinical Jota masking Salah absence for trophy-chasing Liverpool

Diogo Jota has stepped up when it matters for Liverpool.

The Portuguese forward has been superb since returning from injury on Boxing Day, racking up five goal contributions in just three Premier League appearances.

And with Mohamed Salah injured while at the Africa Cup of Nations, Jota's form has been crucial in ensuring Jurgen Klopp's side maintain their momentum.

We take a closer look at his impressive performances ahead of Liverpool's FA Cup clash against Norwich this afternoon.

Back with a bang

After over a month out of action with a hamstring injury, Jota made an immediate impact in his first game back.

Introduced as a late substitute at Burnley, he scored in the 90th minute to wrap up a 2-0 win.

He followed that with an assist in a 4-2 victory over Newcastle before setting up Luis Diaz in the Reds' FA Cup win at Arsenal.

While he was relatively subdued in both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Fulham, Liverpool's No20 was excellent in last weekend's 4-0 drubbing of Bournemouth.

In his first league start since recovering from injury, the 27-year-old managed two superb strikes and another assist.

From just 13 starts in all competitions this season — and a further 10 appearances as a substitute — Jota now has 11 goals to his name.

With Salah reportedly set to miss the next three to four weeks, the Porto native's form will be reassuring for Klopp.

Clinical finisher

Only three players in the Premier League — Callum Wilson (0.87), Chris Wood (0.88) and Erling Haaland (0.97) — have scored more goals per 90 minutes than Jota (0.83).

His conversion rate of 26.92% also puts him among the most effective attackers in England's top flight.

Speaking after Jota's comeback on Boxing Day, Klopp said: "He is a very smart footballer, that's how it is. He understands the game particularly well.

"I really think Portugal is blessed with some of these kind of players who really understand the game on a different level — and he is one of them.

"It gives him a chance to see situations slightly earlier, to adapt to different things the opponent is doing a little bit quicker.

"That's it — on top of that he is both-footed and a great finisher."

High standards

While Klopp has praised Jota's recent displays, he will know that more of the same is needed over the coming weeks.

Liverpool face Chelsea and Arsenal next in the Premier League and will likely be without Salah — so often a talismanic figure in the Reds' biggest games.

Yet if Jota can sustain his current form for the remainder of the campaign, his side will be in good shape to lift more trophies this season.

After the win at Bournemouth, the 36-cap international said: "We survived December — January is coming thick and fast from now on and we all need to be ready.

"I think we have the players and the quality to keep winning games."

With Jota in such strong form, Liverpool will be confident of getting the better of Norwich and progressing in the FA Cup.