Liverpool produced one of their best displays this season when they met Inter Milan at the San Siro.
Amid all the noise surrounding Arne Slot and Mohamed Salah right now, the Reds deserve huge credit for how they conducted themselves in Italy.
Hugo Ekitke put on a ‘clever’ display, while Alan Shearer noticed a Liverpool tactical tweak versus Inter Milan that helped them emerge victorious on Tuesday.
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The former striker was quick to point out the free-flowing nature of the Reds’ midfield, which included Curtis Jones.
What more does Curtis Jones need to do to cement his place in Liverpool’s starting XI?
Curtis Jones in action for Liverpool during their UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan. (Credit: Getty Images/Image Photo Agency).
He ran the midfield tonight 👏
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Curtis Jones stats vs Inter Milan
Jones deserves credit for how he has conducted himself off the field this season when other, more senior members of the squad have shied away from the media during tough moments.
Now, the midfielder has also begun to step up on the pitch within the last week.
While the Leeds United game ended in shambles, Jones was excellent alongside Ryan Gravenberch in the pivot for the first 60 minutes or so.
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Against Inter, meanwhile, he was simply phenomenal from start to finish, and the stats prove it.
As per Opta, Jones completed 100% of his dribbles on the night, produced a staggering 14 line-breaking passes and completed the most passes of any player on the pitch (67/70).
Not only is his fighting spirit exactly what Liverpool need right now, his newfound connection with Gravenberch at the base of the midfield is also making the Merseyside outfit into a much more solid, compact unit.
The 24-year-old has only completed 90 minutes on two occasions in the Premier League this term, but that must swiftly change after his displays in Liverpool’s last two fixtures.
Who was your Man of the Match during Liverpool’s brilliant 1-0 win over Inter Milan?
Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley celebrate after Szoboszlai scores during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan
Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images
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Stephen Warnock reacts to Curtis Jones’ display vs Inter Milan
During the fixture, Liverpool fans heaped praise on Jones amid his creativity and work rate shining through.
Meanwhile, former player Stephen Warnock was very complimentary about the Reds midfielder when speaking to BBC Sport on Tuesday.
He said: “Curtis Jones was absolutely sensational tonight.
“I thought it was a real mature performance, and he actually grew up tonight. I know that sounds really daft because he’s already 24.”
If he does start again this weekend, it is likely that Alexis Mac Allister or Alexander Isak will need to drop out of the team to make room for Florian Wirtz, depending on whether the German is used off the left or in the number 10 role.
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