When Liverpool settled on Diogo Jota to bolster their attacking options at the start of last season, part of the allure was the ability of the Portuguese to play across the front three.
But some 17 months into a goal-laden Anfield career, one matter has become glaringly clear.
Jota does all his best work when in a central position.
The forward has often impressed when positioned on the left, such as when scoring at Old Trafford earlier this campaign.
Even then, though, his natural inclination is to gravitate towards the middle. That, after all, is where the goals come.
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And, boy, does Jota love ruffling the old onion bag.
That was evident in this visit of Leicester City having been frustratingly peripheral when starting on the right flank of a forward line that saw Roberto Firmino in the number nine role and new boy Luis Diaz handed a first start on the left.
But one of Jota’s most valuable and important traits is he wants a part of the action. And if the ball won’t come to him, he’ll go looking for it.
That was the case with one trademark powerful run towards goal first half, all hustle and bustle and pace which was stopped only by a foul challenge.
And the Portuguese was in the right place at the right time to react quickest 11 minutes before the break, snaffling the opener from a matter of yards after Kasper Schmiechel could only parry Virgil van Dijk’s header from a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner delivery from the right.
It was Jota at his most Jotaesque, sniffing out the opportunity and having the time, awareness and talent to capitalise.
He was at it again three minutes from time, thumping home Joel Matip’s cute pass – not often can both Liverpool centre-backs claim an assist in a match – to ensure there were no nervy closing moments against an ultimately well-beaten Leicester.
By then, Jota had been permanently shifted down the middle following the substitution of Firmino, his influence growing as a consequence.
That’s 17 for the season for the Portuguese, 12 coming in the Premier League alone. Only Mohamed Salah, who was afforded a hero’s welcome by Anfield on his arrival from the bench on the hour, has scored more in the top flight this season.
Jota, in the best way, is a jack of all attacking trades. But he’s most certainly the master of one in particular.
