Souness: Jota has to be ready for added pressure at Liverpool

Graeme Souness says that Diogo Jota must adapt quickly to the added scrutiny of being a Liverpool player.

The Reds legend is a big fan of what the Portuguese international can bring to the side in a footballing sense, but writing in his piece in the Times (via Metro) says he will have to adapt to the pressure of being at one of the biggest clubs in World Football.

Jota is expected to be involved tonight as the Reds face unbeaten Arsenal at Anfield. Both sides have two wins from two so far and the game is likely to be full of goals. 

If you are looking to bet on the game then according to the experts at https://www.sportytrader.com/en/betting-tips/ the smart play tonight would be Liverpool to win and both teams to score. Check them out for more well informed betting tips ahead of this mouth watering clash and indeed throughout the rest of the season.

The game is exactly the type of fixture that Souness is referring to. When Wolves face a team like Arsenal it's almost a free hit for them. There's far less pressure than there is when you enter these games as a Liverpool player, as Souness explained. 

“At Wolves, it wasn’t a cup final every week but it will be at Liverpool, so he has to show that he’s ready for that. 

“Otherwise, he fits the bill to deputise anywhere in that front three. He’s got great technique and understanding of the game, he’s already shown he can deal with the English game and play in a team that works hard, as Wolves do.

“Although he’s scored some important goals, I always felt that Divock Origi was never going to hold down a regular place in that Liverpool team.

“Jota fits the bill to deputise anywhere in that front three. He's got great technique and understanding of the game."

It is a valid point that Souness raises as football has been littered with players who have struggled to adapt when joining a bigger club.

One player who Souness has no reservations about on that front is the other ‘new boy’ in Thiago Alcantara making comparison between him and a iconic opponent.

“Zico was the best I played against, I don't think I got within two yards of him in maybe eight times I played against him in the course of my career with Liverpool, Sampdoria and Scotland.

"He was one of those rare players that always seemed to have an extra yard of space to play in, the radar to see several moves ahead, the intelligence to be perfectly positioned when he received the ball and the perfect weight of touch to open the game out rather than taking it towards an opponent.

“I suspect that many current Premier League players may find Thiago Alcantara as difficult to deal with.

“I reckon he should find British football a breeze because he's that good, too. 

Souness feels that the Spaniard not only has an outstanding winning mentality, he is willing to mix up his game to what is required which is a managers dream.

“Whenever you buy a player as a manager, you're always trying to eliminate risk. Thiago ticks all the boxes - tremendous work rate, vastly experienced, he's a creator but doesn't shy away from the hard yards either.”