Wolverhampton Wanderers’ decision to part ways with Diogo Jota in 2020 remains a topic of reflection for Talking Wolves presenter Dave Azzopardi.
Azzopardi believes Jota’s return could significantly benefit Wolves under head coach Gary O’Neil’s current setup.
The Case for Jota’s Return to Wolves
Undoubtedly, Diogo Jota’s departure to Liverpool in 2020 marked a significant chapter in both his career and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ history. However, Talking Wolves presenter Dave Azzopardi presents a compelling case for reconsidering the decision, expressing a heartfelt desire to see Jota back in the Wolves’ fold.
Azzopardi contends that the current tactical setup under head coach Gary O’Neil could allow Jota’s skill set to flourish again.
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Transitioning from the initial £40 million deal that facilitated Jota’s move to Liverpool, Azzopardi acknowledges that, at the time, the transfer seemed reasonable for both clubs.
However, as Wolves navigate the challenges of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, Azzopardi suggests that the team could benefit significantly from Jota’s attributes.
Azzopardi sees Jota as a potential game-changer in the current Wolves system, characterized by a need for additional attacking prowess. This section explores the dynamics of Wolves’ playing style under O’Neil and how Jota’s return could solve their quest for more goals in the final third.
Jota’s Impactful Spell at Molineux
Diogo Jota’s tenure at Wolverhampton Wanderers marked a transformative phase in the club’s recent history. Arriving on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid in August 2017, Jota wasted no time making a significant impact.
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Under the guidance of then-head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, Jota’s performance in the Championship-winning campaign of 2017/18 was nothing short of spectacular.
Bagging an impressive 17 goals and contributing six assists, he played a pivotal role in Wolves securing both the title and promotion to the Premier League, earning himself a permanent spot at Molineux.
Transitioning to the Premier League, Jota faced initial challenges. Still, a defining moment came in December 2018 when he scored a crucial second-half winner in Wolves’ 2-1 comeback victory over Chelsea—this moment ignited a goal-scoring spree, with Jota notching ten goals and seven assists during the 2018/19 season.
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His consistency played a crucial role in Wolves securing a commendable seventh-place finish, setting the stage for European adventures in the subsequent seasons.
As the section unfolds, readers will gain insights into Jota’s journey, understanding the highs and lows that make Azzopardi’s desire to return to Wolves all the more compelling.
Dave Azzopardi’s Perspective on Wolves’ Transfer Decisions
In his interview with GIVEMESPORT, Talking Wolves presenter Dave Azzopardi reflects on the decision to sell Diogo Jota.
“Jota is one. At the time, I think the Jota transfer was probably an okay deal for Liverpool and Wolves. He wasn’t really at the top of the pecking order at Wolves. Liverpool paid an initial £40m for a capable player with a decent ceiling but hadn’t shown it enough towards the end at Wolves.
I think his numbers with his goals and assists per 90 minutes are fantastic at Liverpool. I would love to see him back at Wolves with this current setup. I think he’d do well. So, for me, Pedro Goncalves is one [player he regrets Wolves selling], but Jota is another one as well.”
Said Dave Azzopardi.
Initially seen as a reasonable £40 million deal with Liverpool, Azzopardi expresses regret, citing Jota’s impressive metrics at Liverpool and how his playing style could complement Wolves’ current setup under Gary O’Neil.
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Azzopardi delves into the complexities of transfer decisions, acknowledging clubs’ challenges when parting with key players. Despite Jota not occupying a top spot in the Wolves’ pecking order, his subsequent success at Liverpool underscores the unpredictable nature of player trajectories.
Azzopardi’s insights reveal the delicate balance between addressing immediate team needs and considering a player’s long-term potential, providing a nuanced perspective on the dynamics of football transfers.
