Curtis Jones appeared to playfully reference his recent remark comparing Eden Hazard and Mohamed Salah after mimicking his Liverpool teammate’s celebration against Lille.
During Liverpool’s Champions League match at Anfield on Tuesday, Salah netted the opener with a composed left-footed chip in the 34th minute following a well-timed through ball from Jones. The goal marked Salah’s 50th European strike for Liverpool.
As Salah celebrated with his signature outstretched arms pose, Jones joined in, imitating the celebration. The midfielder was also spotted pointing to both Salah and himself, adding a humorous touch to the moment.
Curtis Jones copied Mohamed Salah’s celebration after the Liverpool forward put them ahead
Jones was seen pointing to Salah and himself in a nod to recent comments in an interview
Salah had scored his 50th European goal for Liverpool to put them ahead against Lille at Anfield
The gesture appeared to follow Jones rowing back on comments this week suggesting he preferred former Chelsea star Hazard.
Jones had initially made light-hearted comments in a TNT Sports interview with Rio Ferdinand, explaining his reasoning.
‘I know this might go a little bit left with our fans because the comparison is always there, but Hazard is the one,’ he said.
‘I know we compare him with Mo all the time and I’ve been into it with Mo.
‘I play it from, who I saw as a kid when I loved the game and I wanted to be like a player.
‘I feel like it was Hazard. Every game, I’d watch him, just like, “wow, that’s football.”
‘Now he’s, I wouldn’t say he’s disrespected, but he wouldn’t come into certain talks that he should.
‘It’s a talk I’ve had with Mo and all the lads. As a footballer, is he better than Mo? In my opinion, yes. But who would you rather have in your team? They’re going to say Mo because he gets you your goals and assists.’
Jones had claiming that Eden Hazard was a ‘better footballer’ than Mohamed Salah
He said Salah was more of a match-winner and would rather have him in his team than Hazard
Liverpool fans were quick to comment on Jones setting up Salah following his comments
Ferdinand added: ‘I’d pay to go and see Hazard first, but if I’m going to pick a team to win a game, I’m picking Salah.’
Jones replied: ‘Yeah, exactly, for sure, it’s as simple as that.’
The midfielder had faced a backlash from some fans, who he later sought to appease by posted a picture smiling with Salah and wrote: ‘The one I’d rather have in my team.’
Several Liverpool fans noted the irony of Jones assisting Salah for his goal against Lille amid the brief backlash over his comments.
Salah’s goal helped Liverpool to maintain their perfect record in the Champions League this season, with Arne Slot’s side winning their seventh straight match.
The Reds had been pegged back by Lille, who saw Aissa Mandi sent off in the 59th minute, but levelled three minutes later through Jonathan David.
Harvey Elliott struck in the 67th minute to put Liverpool back ahead, with the hosts sealing a 2-1 victory.