18 Nov 2023 07:00:25
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new player profile about, Diogo Jota

1.) 18 Nov 2023
18 Nov 2023 10:01:08
Good write-up on Jota, Ed. I agree on feeling frustrated over him. I think. I wrote something similar to that effect after the Brentford.

It is interesting point you raised about him being one or three steps slower than the rest. I never noticed that about him since I usually watch our matches on the telly and I tend to focus on the play around ball so I always thought that his technique/ first touch was poor. I'll definitely be keeping a lookout for his off the ball movement in our next game.

{Ed001's Note - thank you. If you watch him pressing you will notice it most, always just running up a few seconds late.}

2.) 18 Nov 2023
18 Nov 2023 10:03:13
He actually sounds a great player behind the scenes. The type of player you want around. Let's hope he's a late bloomer as such and have many more better/ productive years ahead of him and he makes himself a club legend.

{Ed001's Note - that's why the coaching staff love him, he is one of those that does the extra.}

3.) 18 Nov 2023
18 Nov 2023 10:46:38
Thank you very much for this article, ED001 - I always enjoy reading your perspective on players and the game in general.

You mention how Jota’s understanding of the game needs to improve, do you think this could be linked to a lack of vision? My impression when watching him has always been that he is a head down player, as if he has blinkers on like a race horse. Whilst excellent at making the odd slalom run into the box, or instinctively finishing off a move with a goal, you very rarely see him getting his head up and spreading the play around the field (in contrast to Diaz, for example, when playing in the same position) . Do you think that maybe a lack of vision could be one of the reason he struggles with link up play, giving the ball away, or in the wrong position defensively?

I agree with you that he is incredibly frustrating at times, and previously, this has led me to think he doesn’t fit in with the team and perhaps we should move him on. However, I’ve changed my opinion over time - his ability to find a goal, the work ethic you mention and actually his leadership have been really endearing. Despite his flaws (which I can’t see ever changing), I now believe he’s a excellent squad player for us, and with those positive qualities, dare I say indispensable?

{Ed001's Note - yes, his lack of vision is very much an issue, I think.}

4.) 18 Nov 2023
18 Nov 2023 14:35:32
The fact he wants to learn of Ronaldo says it all also. One of the living legends to learn from.
Was it Mason greenwood who didn't want to take lessons of Ronaldo when he was at the club. Shows the difference of player.