Diogo Jota is looking to step up into a senior role at Liverpool following the striker exodus at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp has seen Sadio Mane, Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi all leave Merseyside with only Darwin Nunez coming in as a replacement. Mohamed Salah has decided to extend his deal, keeping him at the club, ahead of a season that could see a new look front line.
Jota, who was signed back in 2020, has continued to excel at Liverpool, pushing his way into a forward trio that once looked impenetrable. Competition has continued to arrive in the form of Luis Diaz but Jota, who will turn 26 in December, is ready to take on more responsibility this term.
He told the club's website : “Obviously those [three] departed and only one arrived – well, Fabio [Carvalho] as well but I’m not sure where he is going to play yet. Of course, with the years you add extra responsibility. Yesterday in the rondo, I am not in the middle anymore when we start so time is passing as well, I am getting older! Of course that allows me to be one of the senior players, with that comes extra responsibility as well but I think that I am ready for that.”
Liverpool are currently in Asia as Klopp puts his players through their paces ahead of the new campaign. The Reds claimed two pieces of silverware last term and has their sights on the quadruple, but they missed out on the big two trophies late in May.
They have added Nunez for a club-record fee as they look to freshen up their squad. The Uruguayan enjoyed a breakthrough season last time out at Benfica - scoring against Liverpool in a Champions League knockout tie. Nunez could cost the Reds up to £85m - but Jota is confident it is money well spent.
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He said: "I follow the Portuguese league obviously and what he did last year was amazing. It is not as easy as people might think! He scored loads of goals, including in the Champions League and against us, so I think we can expect that from him. Hopefully he can have the same impact that Luis [Diaz] had last year because that will be important for us."
Jota scored 21 times last term after notching 13 in his debut year at Anfield. Jamie Carragher though omitted the Portugal star when quizzed on who he thought the first choice from three would be at Liverpool this season, although he does expect the team to be rotated.
