'Hang on a minute' - Ray Parlour makes Diogo Jota claim amid Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe comparisons

Diogo Jota is currently the best number 9 in the business, according former professional Ray Parlour.

The ex-England and Arsenal star, who was nicknamed 'The Romford Pele' in his playing days, spoke about Liverpool's Portuguese hit man on Laura Woods' TalkSPORT radio show.

Jota has plundered 18 goals in all competitions for club and country this season and Parlour was full of admiration for the ex-Wolves man, even preferring him to some bigger names in the same position.

Parlour said: "What he's done since (Mo) Salah and (Sadio) Mane have been away - Jota has been unbelievable. I think he's the best number 9 at the moment.

"I think he's been absolutely sensational since they (Liverpool) lost Mane and Salah (on international duty in AFCON).

"I like his work rate, they way he conducts himself, his goals he scores and I think he's going to get better."

Looking to add some perspective to Parlour's comments, show presenter Woods asked: "Hang on a minute. Let's say the top three are (Kylian) M'Bappe, Salah and (Erling) Haaland, are you subbing out Haaland for Jota?"

Parlour replied: "Erm... possibly yes. I think Jota's been brilliant. What I signing he's been."

Jurgen Klopp snapped up Jota from fellow Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2020, for a fee worth £41m.

The 25-year-old has since gone on to make 44 appearances for the Reds, scoring 30 goals in all competitions.

This season he has 12 Premier League goals already, four behind Premier League top scorer Mohamed Salah.

Jota started his career at Portuguese side Pacos de Ferreira, before joining Atletico Madrid. The 5ft 9" striker then went out on loan spells to FC Porto and then Wolves, before signing for the Premier League club in summer of 2018.

Onc