Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders has recently praised the exceptional performance of Diogo Jota, highlighting his impact on the team in the absence of Mohamed Salah. With Salah away representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, Jota has stepped up his game, scoring two goals and providing two assists since the beginning of January.
Lijnders commends Jota's ability to thrive when he is in an 'angry mood,' likening him to former Liverpool forwards Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino. He acknowledges that Jota possesses incredible skills and can accomplish extraordinary things when he is determined to prove himself.
The assistant manager emphasizes the importance of maintaining Jota's fiery mindset and harnessing it as often as possible. He stresses that a successful team cannot rely solely on a few key performers but must create a supportive environment where each player feels confident and motivated to contribute their best.
In addition to Jota, Lijnders also praises the recent performances of Darwin Núñez, who displayed his capabilities by scoring a brace against Bournemouth. The assistant manager sees this as a testament to the strength and ambition of the entire squad, demonstrating the depth and quality of talent at Liverpool.
Shifting the focus to another promising player, Lijnders believes that Curtis Jones should be a no-brainer selection for Gareth Southgate's England squad. He compliments Jones for consistently setting the tone both on and off the ball, proving himself as one of the most influential players in the team. Despite some minor injury concerns, Lijnders recognizes Jones' maturity and leadership qualities, highlighting his significant contribution to Liverpool's successful campaign.
Moving on to injury updates, Lijnders reveals positive news about the team's full-backs. He confirms that Trent Alexander-Arnold is on track for a return to the team against Norwich City on January 28th after being out for two weeks. Additionally, he announces that Andy Robertson has recovered from his shoulder injury, sustained while playing for Scotland against Spain in October. Robertson will be included in the squad for the Carabao Cup second leg game against Fulham on Wednesday, marking a significant step forward in his rehabilitation process.
Lijnders expresses his satisfaction with the progress of the injured players, particularly praising Robertson's determination to reintegrate into the squad. As one of Liverpool's captains, Robertson's return will undoubtedly boost team morale and add depth to their defensive options. Lijnders also acknowledges the consistency and impressive performance of Joe Gomez throughout the season, highlighting his contributions to the team's success.
As Liverpool continues to navigate a demanding schedule and overcome challenging circumstances, Lijnders' positive outlook and belief in his players showcase the strength of the squad's character and ambition. With Jota's outstanding form, Jones' impactful displays, and the return of key players from injury, Liverpool remains well-equipped to push forward and maintain their position at the top of the Premier League table.
