If there's one player who will shoulder the most responsibility for Liverpool goals in the absence of Mohamed Salah, then it is Diogo Jota.
Jota has 50 goals since he joined from Wolves, the Portugal international's tally of nine this term is bettered only by Salah's record of 18
Jota's blend of hard-pressing, intelligence and ability to poach make him quite the option for Klopp
Klopp would have loved to have had the Portuguese available to him in tight home draws with Arsenal and Manchester United last month, for example
Jota took little time reminding all of his importance to the squad upon his Boxing Day return at Burnley.
The forward had only been on the pitch for six minutes when dispatched past James Trafford
Jota
"It was a special feeling to score my 50th goal for Liverpool at Burnley on Boxing Day,"
"I had some special people in the crowd as my family came over for Christmas, so it was great to be back on the pitch, get the win and those three points.
"I think it was the best Christmas gift for everyone there! At the time I was not aware that it was going to be 50 for me but it is a good mark.
"Although I spent a lot of time injured, unfortunately for me, it is an achievement and I look at that as another reason to be proud."
Jota also won a late penalty after rounding Martin Dubravka to allow Salah the chance to finally break the Magpies' resolve
A further impactful display as a sub at Arsenal last week saw him supply Luis Diaz with an assist after a purposeful run deep into stoppage time
The performances of late point to a player who has returned to action in style after a few weeks on the sidelines.
Jota said
"It was nice to get an assist in the win against Newcastle in our last game at Anfield and then another in the FA Cup at Arsenal on Sunday to help us to another satisfying victory,"
"I'm ready for this. That's why we work and it is such a special feeling to be important for the team."
Two years ago, Jota registered five of his 21 goals in all competitions during the period when Salah and Mane were absent
Jota commented
"Obviously we will be without Mo Salah for the next month or so while he is with Egypt at AFCON.
"If I remember rightly we did quite well two years ago when he was last away at the tournament but it is never easy because the team is used to having Mo on the that right wing and we know what a threat he is for the opponent.
"Just his presence even sometimes without touching the ball is enough.
"We will not have that so we need to adapt. On the other hand, I know we have the quality in this squad to make his absence look like it's not happening.
"We know with him it would be easier but we are all ready to give it a go."
Jota's 50 goals have come in 134 appearances for the Reds
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