‘So impressive’: Michael Owen in awe of one Liverpool player after vindicating display

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Michael Owen lauded Curtis Jones on BT Sport (28/9, 21:52) after producing an impressive creative performance to help inspire a Liverpool victory away to Porto on Tuesday night.

Jurgen Klopp unleashed the 20-year-old as part of a midfield three with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson in northwest Portugal. Owen believes the Reds talent comfortably justified the German’s decision after playing a role in four of his side’s goals.

Mohamed Salah broke the deadlock at the Estadio do Dragao after goalkeeper Diogo Costa parried Jones’ shot to the Egyptian. Jones had cut inside and instantly struck a dipping shot as he tormented Porto. Often waltzing through the Dragoes lines as he carved out chances.

Liverpool had to wait until the end of the first-half to double their lead at Porto, with Jones again instrumental. Just keeping the ball in play before the Reds worked play over to James Milner, who drilled a low cross. Finding Sadio Mane for a tap-in after more poor defending.

Jones eventually got the first of his two assists in the 60th-minute, as the England U21 ace again haunted Porto. Dispossessing Sergio Oliveira and running at the home defence before finding an unmarked Salah in the disorganised box. While helping the Reds end the game with a flourish, when his shot ricocheted off Fabio Cardosoto to Roberto Firmino.

Jones impressed Owen in Liverpool rout

Jones’ creative efforts against Porto proved vastly impressive for former Liverpool striker Owen. He lauded the youngster for his aggression and vision after the 5-1 rout, noting:

“He was involved in so much. Plenty of assists, plenty of attempts on target, himself. We all know his ability. Steven McManaman has been mentioning to me quite a lot in recent times how he thinks Curtis Jones is better in forward positions and that vindicated his opinion tonight.

“Throughout the youth teams, he played in those forward position. He’s always beat players and always scored a lot of goals. Okay, he didn’t score tonight. But he had a hand in four of the five goals there. So impressive performance.”