Liverpool’s new-look midfield has left them less vulnerable to being upset by the Premier League’s lower order
- Liverpool dropped points against relegated Leeds and Southampton last season
- Diogo Jota insisted Liverpool ‘have confidence’ and are ‘doing the right things’
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Jurgen Klopp’s challenge for the top four last season floundered on dropping points to relegated Leeds and Southampton on top of defeats against Bournemouth, Wolves and Sunday’s opponents at Anfield, Nottingham Forest.
Striker Diogo Jota thinks the addition of creators Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai has helped them put away less ambitious sides.
Having lost five midfielders over the summer including Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, the only matches Liverpool haven’t won this season came from tricky trips to Chelsea, Brighton and Spurs.
‘I think we have developed a lot as a team and we are focussed now on this new idea,’ said Jota.
‘Obviously the midfield being a lot different, we have a different style that suits us to play against a lower block and more defensive teams.
Jurgen Klopp and Diogo Jota are both looking to pick up points against the lower sides
Jota hasalready scored seven times for club and country this season including the first in Thursday night’s Europa League romp against Toulouse
Jota with Liverpool top scorer Mohammed Salah, as they look to take on Nottingham Forest
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‘There is a knock-on effect for the forwards. The ball arrives in different conditions so it requires adaptation I think we’re progressing well and when you’re winning games, things get better and it is easier to believe in the things you are doing.
‘I think the team has confidence. We’re doing things right and want to continue.
‘It’s a responsibility you have at Liverpool. People expect you to win all the time, especially these kind of games (home to Forest). We have to prove it on the pitch.’
Jota scored twice in last season’s corresponding fixture at Anfield when Liverpool edged Forest 3-2. Their manager Steve Cooper worked as a youth coach at Liverpool under Rafa Benitez, Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish.
With Mo Salah an assured starter, the Portuguese striker is fighting with Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez for two places, but has already scored seven times for club and country this season including the first in Thursday night’s Europa League romp against Toulouse.
‘Honestly. Having people that can score goals is helpful,’ says Jota about the competition.
‘It gives us the chance to create and score from every part of the pitch which makes life easier.
‘Sometimes I start games, sometimes not. I just need to take advantage when I am on the pitch. So far, so good. I think I have a lot of goals already from the amount of time I’ve played.
Morgan Gibbs-White celebrates after scoring for Nottingham Forest against Liverpool at Anfield
‘When I signed in 2020, everyone talked about the best trio in the world (Salah-Firmino-Mane). Obviously we have a lot of variety now. Everyone is scoring which makes life harder for the opponents.
Jota, outstanding in the air for 5ft10ins, puts his heading ability down to the timing of his jumps.
Team-mate Darwin Nunez scored once and was outstanding against Toulouse but also conjured up the miss of the season when he struck the post from seven yards in front of a completely empty net.
‘He had a good game like we all did,’ said Jota supportively. ‘Obviously he wanted to score but it happens to everyone and he will just bounce back and score in the next game.’
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