Diogo Jota desperate to become top man for Liverpool after injury nightmare

Diogo Jota is keen to make up for lost time after his injury frustration and the Liverpool forward is determined to establish himself as a key man up front.

The Portugal international made his first start since May in the 2-1 Champions League victory over Ajax after returning from a hamstring injury initially sustained on international duty in June but aggravated in pre-season.

He has scored 34 goals in 88 appearances having found himself deployed across the front three at times.

Luis Diaz’s arrival in January saw him get more game time through the middle but Darwin Nunez’s signing for a potential club-record fee means Jota faces competition in his two strongest positions and missing the first six matches of the season did not help.

However, he was picked ahead of Nunez and Roberto Firmino for the central role against the Dutch side and made a difference for the 66 minutes he was on the pitch.

“I couldn’t get things right in pre-season but that’s part of the past,” he said.

“Football is always a challenge between us to play in the games, to face different challenges as well.

“That’s life and football, and as players you need to respond to that and survive that challenge every day.

“There is always room for improvement. I want to establish myself here as an important player and I can only do that if I am fit.”

Asked if it was frustrating to be sat on the sidelines watching the team’s struggles he added: “Yes, even more for me because I couldn’t be there helping.

“It is always a lot more complicated when you are on the outside watching but it is a part of the past now.

“I am in (the squad) now and I could help and that was good. Everything is good and ready to go.”

Jota is not the only one having to adapt to the