Jurgen Klopp knows his undroppable Liverpool player ahead of huge Real Madrid fixture
Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool will set record straight with Villa
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Liverpool came from behind to beat Aston Villa 2-1 with a last-gasp Trent Alexander-Arnold goal. It puts them back into the fight for a top four spot in the Premier League ahead of a crucial clash against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Liverpool boss Klopp cannot drop Diogo Jota going into the match against Real Madrid with the Portuguese forward a crucial part of his plans going forward.
Liverpool were the greater threat in the opening exchanges, with chances for Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.
But the best chance fell to Jota, who rose highest from a corner to narrowly head over the bar.
The Portugal international had six goals in five games prior to this contest for club and country and was bright throughout the contest.
However, it was Villa that struck first through Ollie Watkins after a poor mistake from Alisson but there was controversy to follow after Jota was ruled offside by the slimmest of margins as Firmino had an effort struck off.
But it was Salah to bring the Reds back into the game with an equaliser early after the second half whistle as Alexander-Arnold scored late on to give Liverpool all three points.
It marks a fine return to form after a tough week while England manager Gareth Southgate watched on as the Reds went back into fourth.
Liverpool take on Real Madrid in the Champions League next at Anfield and are in need of another famous comeback in front of the Kop.
This time, though, the fans are not there to push them over the line and Klopp must rely on his players to get the job done.
And after the performance against Villa, there is one man who should be the first on the team sheet – Jota.
The Portuguese ace has been a stellar signing since joining from Wolves last summer and proved a menace throughout the contest on Saturday.
It is no coincidence Liverpool’s form has improved somewhat with the 24-year-old in the side.
But it means that one of Sadio Mane or Firmino will have to be dropped, though the former has seen his form plummet this campaign as Klopp ponders ripping up his terrific trio up front to bring in new blood.
Leading that new wave must be Jota, who could stamp his mark as the main man if he ropes the Reds through their Champions League clash against Real Madrid.
It was the forward that constantly harried the Villa defence and gave them all sorts of problems – exactly what they must do against Zinedine Zidane’s men.
Liverpool are 3-1 down from the first leg but that away goal could prove vital, as long as they keep Los Blancos at bay.
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