He is Liverpool’s number 20, and for the first time in his entire career, he has registered 20 top-flight goals.
No wonder man of the match Diogo Jota had a broad smile as he discussed his game-winning performance against Watford, which briefly put the Reds on top of the Premier League.
What makes it even more impressive, is the Portugal international’s ability to get the crucial opening goal in games, with his 13 so far this season for Liverpool the highest in English football.
And afterwards, he admitted that while he is proud of his achievement, there are bigger targets in an unprecedented season for the Anfield club: “It’s the first time in my career that I reach 20, but I have to just keep on going because we still have plenty to play for.
"If I am on the pitch I am always able to find at least an opportunity to score, so it is up to me to stay focused and take those chances. And, well, I’ve been opening the scoring this season and that is the hardest thing, and I am really happy for that and I hope I can keep doing that.”
Jota came alive in the penalty area on 23 minutes after a slow start to the game, when his brilliant run saw him ghost between two defenders to beat visiting keeper Ben Foster to the ball.
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And while he said his movement was important, he gave credit to full back Joe Gomez’s whipped delivery. “It was about the run, yes, but also the cross,” he added.
“I just had to get a touch on the ball because the cross was really good. I spoke with Joey before the game, and I said: 'You are going to get an assist today!' He had a few crosses at Nottingham which I didn’t get on the end of, but I was confident for today.”
