Portugal international Diogo Jota was given a start ahead of Roberto Firmino, and he paid the faith Klopp showed in him by scoring a hat-trick in Italy.
Liverpool hat-trick hero Diogo Jota says he is 'playing in the best team of his career so far' after the Reds secured a 5-0 win against Atalanta on Tuesday night.
Jurgen Klopp's side made a big statement of intent with a brilliant display in their Champions League clash against the Serie A club at the Gewiss Stadium as Jota's treble, as well as goals from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, completed the victory.
Following the win, Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolves in the previous transfer window told BT Sport: "I’m playing in the best team of my career so far. I don’t know if it's the best moment of my career but obviously scoring goals is my way of playing football. I’m happy with this, a great win away in Champions League, a good moment, and a good night."
Regarding his favourite goal on the night, the 23-year-old said: "The first one was my favourite because it unlocks the game – for all teams, it’s important to get the first goal in each game. We scored early so that’s a good moment for me and the team and then we can manage the game our way."
Jota, who has now scored seven goals in ten games for the Merseyside club, also expressed his delight at playing alongside Sadio Mane and Mo Salah.
"Obviously they are two world-class players," he said. "We all know their quality which makes it easier for me to do my job because they are outstanding and we had a great game together today."
When asked what Liverpool can take into their Premier League clash against Manchester City at the Etihad this weekend, he replied: "Well five goals, that doesn’t happen so often to score five in one game. The clean sheet as well if we can keep a clean sheet against City we will win the game."
Jota is now the second player to have scored in his first two starts in the Europe elite competition for Liverpool after Robbie Keane did so back in 2008
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