Liverpool’s opener against Brighton came from some Milos Kerkez brilliance.
After a slow start to life at Anfield, the 22-year-old has well and truly put his stamp on the left-back position, adding another quality moment in the first half of Saturday night’s FA Cup clash.
Liverpool fans have been impressed with Kerkez in recent games.
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Curtis Jones points to the Anfield stand in celebration during Liverpool's FA Cup match against Brighton & Hove Albion
Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
His part in the goal was a shining example of why he was signed last summer.
Milos Kerkez gets the credit for Liverpool’s opener against Brighton
The game was very much back and forth in the early goings.
Brighton remained compact out of possession, looking to hurt Liverpool on the break. They came close on a couple of occasions.
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But Liverpool entered the driver’s seat when makeshift right-back Curtis Jones popped up at the back post to convert a fantastic cross from Kerkez.
Curtis Jones celebrates with Milos Kerkez after scoring the opening goal of the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion
Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
BBC Sport pundit and former Leeds midfielder Paul Robinson was impressed.
He writes: “Good play again from Liverpool. They look better when they go direct and when they go quicker.
“What an assist that is from Milos Kerkez. He has been one of Liverpool’s best attacking players. An undefendable ball across the six-yard box.
“Curtis Jones, who is playing right-back, arrives late, but it’s an easy finish.”
It was just one of many good moments from the Hungarian, who took advantage of the congested midfield, finding acres of space on the left flank.
Seeing him get back to the levels he showed at Bournemouth is extremely encouraging, and eases the concerns about Robertson’s uncertain Liverpool future.
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It was really important that Jones got a start against Brighton.
The Scouser has fallen out of favour with Arne Slot after stepping into a much more prominent role when Liverpool were at their worst this season.
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Curtis Jones of Liverpool FC during the UEFA Champions League match between Galatasaray v Liverpool at the Rams Park
Credit: Gerrit van Keulen/Soccrates/Getty Images
There were links taking him away from Anfield in January and he may still be sold in the summer, but that goal and performance could get him back into the picture.
The Reds aren’t spoiled for options in any position. If Jones can continue to produce for the rest of the season, his future at Liverpool could go beyond the summer.
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