Curtis Jones drops bold warning to rivals about Florian Wirtz after Champions League win

Wirtz and Jones had shown promising signs of a connection during pre-season, but that chemistry has not had much chance to develop in competitive matches so far this year.

Rival fans have been quick to dismiss Liverpool’s new star, calling him an overpriced flop based on his early displays.

But speaking after the match, Jones made it clear he thinks those critics will soon be eating their words.

“I say all the time on Flo, he’s one of those lads that if you don’t think he’s good, you don’t understand the game,” he told LFCTV.

“Obviously he’s been bought for a huge price-tag, that’s not his fault, and everybody expects goals and assists. We do as well obviously, but in terms of what he brings into the team, where he goes and moves, he might not actually get on the ball, but it helps me and Dom [Szoboszlai]. As he moves a lad has to stay with Flo and it means that I’m free and that’s just the smart thing of how he plays.

“It’s a matter of time before he gets his goals and assists, you saw there he just got two and I told him just carry on. From the first day you could see he had that spark.

“The Premier League as well, of course it’s a huge change as well but he’s a smart lad, intelligent lad, technically he’s unbelievable as well, so it’s a matter of time before everybody sees the real Flo. We see it every day when he trains, I can’t wait until everybody really, really sees him. It’s exciting times for us and the whole team.”

Jones and Wirtz have to keep their places

It was not just Wirtz who stood out in Frankfurt. Jones had a strong game as well, and the pair looked like they were building a good understanding.

Liverpool have not had much go their way lately, so it makes sense to stick with what is working, even if it is only one game.

After starting on the bench against both Chelsea and Man United, it would make little sense for Arne Slot to leave Wirtz out of their starting XI against Brentford.

The German star should take confidence from his two assists, and he needs the chance to build on that momentum.

With Jones also playing well, Slot should keep both in the side as Liverpool face another tough away day in the Premier League.