He’s occupying all three of them” – Joe Cole lavishes praise on Liverpool star for his ‘movement’ in win over Crystal Palace

Former Chelsea winger and now television pundit Joe Cole expressed his admiration for Diogo Jota following Liverpool’s narrow 1-0 win against Crystal Palace on October 5. The match, held at Selhurst Park, featured the Portuguese international scoring the crucial goal that secured three important points for the Reds. This win not only underscored Liverpool’s strong form under manager Arne Slot but also established a four-point lead at the top of the table, highlighting their early-season dominance. Jota’s role was significant, and despite the close score, Liverpool arguably deserved a larger margin of victory.

Jota’s goal occurred in the ninth minute, set up by an expertly executed cross from Cody Gakpo. Positioned on the left, Gakpo delivered an accurate ball into the box, which Jota, demonstrating his excellent positioning, met with a first-time finish past Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Although Liverpool couldn’t increase their lead, it was Jota’s quick reflexes and precise finishing that ultimately determined the match’s outcome.

Joe Cole, now a respected commentator after his playing career, quickly analyzed Liverpool’s strong start and Jota’s contribution to the win. Speaking to TNT Sports, as noted by Rousing the Kop, Cole praised Liverpool’s dynamic play, particularly their effective right-sided attack. “Liverpool have been sensational,” he noted, highlighting the impact of players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Curtis Jones. He emphasized how their movement off the ball, especially in exploiting gaps in Crystal Palace’s defense, was vital to their dominance early on. “When the defenders come out, they’re running into those spaces; it’s where the goal came from.”

Reflecting on Jota’s display, Cole highlighted the forward’s ability to challenge Crystal Palace’s defense. “They’ve been fantastic at breaking it down, the movement, particularly Jota, he’s occupying all three of them,” he remarked. His observations pointed to Jota’s seamless integration into Liverpool’s attacking structure, where he frequently navigates between defenders, causing confusion in the opponent’s backline.

Since Arne Slot took over at Liverpool this summer, Diogo Jota has emerged as the manager’s preferred choice in the number nine role, regularly starting ahead of other talented forwards like Darwin Nunez. Slot’s confidence in Jota has paid off, with the striker netting four goals and providing two assists in nine appearances this season. His ability to score and create has made him a crucial asset for Liverpool.

Jota’s significance extends beyond this season. Since joining Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2020 for a reported £45 million, he has consistently proven his value. In 153 appearances for the club, he has scored 59 goals and provided 21 assists, an impressive tally for a player initially seen as a secondary option in Liverpool’s formidable attacking trio. Over time, he has become a key player in the team’s successes, contributing important goals in both domestic and European competitions. His versatility is one of his greatest assets; whether playing centrally or drifting out wide, Jota consistently impacts matches. His technical skills, combined with sharp movement and finishing ability, make him challenging for defenders to handle. Slot’s trust in him as a focal point of Liverpool’s attack has bolstered his confidence, clearly showing that the Portuguese forward is thriving in this role.

As the season unfolds, it is certain that Jota will remain integral to Liverpool’s pursuit of trophies. His knack for scoring in critical moments and his ability to connect with teammates like Salah and Gakpo will be essential for sustaining Liverpool’s title challenge. With pundits like Joe Cole highlighting his contributions, it’s evident that Jota’s influence on this Liverpool side is growing stronger.