The Liverpool duo couldn’t have timed it any better. And, in doing so, they helped Arne Slot’s side secure their place in the Champions League knockout stage at the earliest possible opportunity. Eyebrows were raised earlier this week when Curtis Jones, speaking in characteristically honest fashion, declared Eden Hazard was, at his peak, a better footballer than Mohamed Salah.
The Reds midfielder swiftly clarified he would most certainly rather have Salah as a team-mate. And that was underlined 11 minutes before half-time on a chilly evening at home to Lille - the club where Hazard began his career - to light up a previously dormant encounter. Liverpool v Lille LIVE - score, Salah, Elliott goals, Champions League highlights and standings Liverpool player ratings as Harvey Elliott and two others stand out in win over Lille After Kostas Tsimikas fairly robbed Jonathan David of possession inside the Liverpool half, the ball went from Ryan Gravenberch to the feet of Jones who, spotting Salah making a sprint forward from the halfway line, played a superb pass to release the Egyptian to coolly carry possession on and finish into the top corner.
Salah promptly plonked himself down in trademark fashion on an Anfield Road Stand advertising hoarding with arms outstretched before being joined by Jones, who took a seat next to his colleague before pointedly gesturing towards the Anfield turf. As the forward’s contract impasse continues, it’s clear where the Egyptian’s team-mate.