Curtis Jones has thrown fuel on the fire of one of football’s hottest debates—Eden Hazard versus Mohamed Salah.
The Liverpool midfielder, speaking to TNT Sports, shared his admiration for Hazard’s artistry on the pitch, calling him “the one” he idolized growing up. But Jones knew his comments might rile Liverpool fans, especially with Salah’s legendary status at Anfield.
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Jones told Rio Ferdinand,
“I know this might go a little bit left with our fans because the comparison is always there, but Hazard for me. Every time I watched him, I was like, ‘Wow, that’s football.’”
The 22-year-old midfielder didn’t hold back, admitting Hazard’s style left him in awe. Jones confessed:
“As a player, as someone who loves the game, when I wanted to be like a player, I feel like Hazard was the one. He was unplayable. Every game, I’d watch him, and I’d think, ‘That’s what I want to do.’”
Jones sparks heated debate: “Hazard better footballer, but Mo gets you goals”
However, Jones acknowledged the stark difference in their outputs. Hazard’s best season saw him notch 21 goals—far below Salah’s jaw-dropping record of 44 goals in a single campaign.
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And while Hazard dazzled with his flair and finesse, Salah has cemented his place as one of the greatest players in Premier League history, with 175 goals in 284 appearances. Jones controversially admitted,
“As a footballer, is he better than Mo? In my opinion, yes. But who would you rather have in your team? You’re going to say Mo because he gets you the goals and assists.”
Jones’s comments naturally ignited social media debates, with fans passionately defending their preferred icon. Sensing the storm he’d stirred, Jones later posted a selfie with Salah on X, captioned:
“The one I’d rather have in my team.”
Ferdinand, ever the instigator, pushed Jones further, asking if he’d rather watch Hazard over Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. Jones was unequivocal. He replied,
“Nah, because I can’t hear a wrong word about him.”
For Jones, Gerrard remains the ultimate inspiration. He said,
“If I could be like a player, it’d be him. He could drag the team with him, become the main one. Plus, he’s a Scouser.”
While Jones has clarified his loyalty, his comments will no doubt keep the Hazard-Salah debate alive. One thing’s for sure—Jones knows how to get fans talking!
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