Liverpool are renowned for its physical prowess in the Premier League, boasting a roster of players who are exceptionally fast, strong, and fit, often possessing a combination of these attributes for example Diogo Jota.
Gibbs-White Praises Jota’s Athleticism
This physical dominance enables the team to execute their signature ‘heavy-metal football’ style.
Diogo Jota, a Portuguese attacker for the Reds, is a prime example of this remarkable physicality, as emphasized by footballer Morgan Gibbs-White during an interview on the Premier League’s YouTube channel.
When asked to pick a five-a-side team, Gibbs-White singled out Liverpool’s own Diogo Jota:
“That another team is very good. Joe is a very solid captain, someone you need on your team, he’s a leader and then you have Jota who is athletically incredible and so is Anthony, athletically incredible.”
Jota’s Athletic Brilliance
Gibbs-White commended Jota’s athletic prowess, labeling him as “athletically incredible.”
While Liverpool’s captain, Joe, brings solid leadership to the team, Jota’s remarkable speed, endurance, and aerial ability set him apart.
Despite his smaller stature, Jota scores an impressive number of headers, thanks to his exceptional leap.
Jota Among Liverpool’s Physique
Although Jota might not be the first player that comes to mind when thinking of Liverpool’s physically gifted squad, he stands tall among the fastest, strongest, and fittest players at Anfield.
Notably, Liverpool boasts physically imposing figures such as Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, both towering at 1.94 meters.
Additionally, players like Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai contribute to the team’s physicality.
Jota’s Aerial Mastery Under Klopp
Under Jurgen Klopp’s management, Liverpool have long prioritized determination, physical capability, and peak fitness to execute their gegenpressing football style.
Despite his relatively diminutive stature at 1.78 meters, Jota’s impressive scoring record, including a remarkable number of headers, speaks volumes about his physical prowess.
In the 2021/22 season, Jota netted 15 Premier League goals, with nearly one in three being headers, a testament to his aerial ability.
The Work Rate of Jota at Liverpool
Furthermore, Jota’s exceptional work rate off the ball has earned him the trust of Klopp, who often entrusts him to lead Liverpool’s forward line.
While Jota may not fit the conventional mold of a physically dominant player, Morgan Gibbs-White’s endorsement sheds light on an often underrated aspect of Jota’s game, reaffirming Liverpool’s status as a team with exceptional physical prowess in the Premier League.