Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has long since deferred away from the idea of possessing a favoured XI.
Instead, the German has often insisted that each match presents different challenges that require alternative solutions in terms of team selection – wisely and rightly so.
However, having recently admitted the current crop at his disposal is the ‘strongest squad’ during his reign as Reds’ boss, with that comes an opportunity to field a perceived best side.
The first chance to do just that comes against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League last 16 first-leg meeting at the San Siro.
Previously the go-to setting would see the tried and tested trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino leading the line, but that may now have shifted.
Diogo Jota has become impossible to ignore due to the sheer volume of goals, performances and impact on any occasion.
The 25-year-old now has 30 goals and four assists in 60 outings for the Reds – including a sensational hat-trick against Atalanta when flanked by Salah and Mane in Italy previously.
Diogo Jota’s hat trick vs Atalanta for your late night/early morning viewing… pic.twitter.com/alrT04hFAY
— The Anfield Talk (@TheAnfieldTalk) January 11, 2021
This season Jota has scored 17 goals and registered three assists in 31 appearances for Klopp’s side – compared to Firmino’s 11 direct goal contributions.
In fact, the 22-cap Portugal ace’s form has led to Ray Parlour describing the ‘sensational’ frontman as the ‘best number nine’ in the world at the moment.
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Albeit the influence of Firmino on those around remains apparent, Jota has usurped the Brazilian in recent months.
That doesn’t mean either one has to start every game from here on out – not to mention Luis Diaz’s likely say on the matter – but for this match, it would be a surprise to see Jota not involved from the outset.
Regardless of who gets the nod, it’s just refreshing to have a high calibre of options once again after a season full of injuries in 2020/21.
Predicted XI: Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Thiago; Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota.
Predicted Subs: Caoimhin Kelleher, Adrian, Joe Gomez, Naby Keita, Roberto Firmino, Takumi Minamino, Divock Origi, Harvey Elliott, Kostas Tsimikas, Ibrahima Konate, James Milner, Luis Diaz.
