Republic of Ireland legend John Giles was full of praise for Liverpool youngster Curtis Jones following the midfielder's display against Porto on Tuesday night.
Liverpool toppled Porto in their Group B fixture of the Champions League.
Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino each scored a brace. Sadio Mane scored the other goal, but it was young Curtis Jones that caught the eye of Giles. Jones made two assists during the game for Salah's second strike and Firmino's first.
Porto, 09/29/2021 - FC Porto hosted Liverpool tonight at Estádio do Dragão, in a group stage match, group B, Champions League match 2 2021/22 Curtis Jones, Jesús Corona (Pedro Correia/Global Images/Sipa USA )."I think he's going to be top-notch," Giles exclaimed.
"He looks the part and I think he's a genuine creator in the midfield. They have a lot of good players but he's only young. He has the ability to do what none of the other midfielders can do in the team."
With Thiago Alcantara, Harvey Elliott, and Naby Keita all sidelined because of injuries, Jones has taken his chance in the Liverpool midfield.
Giles likened Jones' style of play to that of another Liverpool legend.
"When the game is going against you, that’s the kind of player you need. Graeme Souness is a perfect example.
"When you're playing in that position you have to know how to slow it down. If you can get a grip of the ball you can take the heat out of the game.
"And that's what Jones is capable of doing. I think he is capable of going the extra bit. I think he'll be a really big player for Liverpool."
The 20-year old made more dribbles than any other player on Tuesday night. Giles went on to explain that the desire shown by Jones is the perfect trait for a future footballing hero.
"If you're going be a professional footballer, you’ve got to play in the big games. You have to be like Roy Keane.
"You have to be a bit nervous but you have to handle that nerve. When you're a kid you want to play in a cup final or in the big match."
Jones is now the second-youngest player to record two assists in a Champions League game after Theo Walcott. He has one goal and four assists in the Champions League from seven matches.
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