"Shocked he hasn't been dropped", "TV off" - Liverpool fans unhappy with star's inclusion in XI for EFL Cup semi-final clash against Tottenham

Liverpool fans have voiced their displeasure on X after Arne Slot included Curtis Jones in the starting XI to face Tottenham Hotspur. The two sides are set to lock horns in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-finals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium later tonight (Wednesday, January 8).

Alisson Becker starts in goal for Liverpool. Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Virgil van Dijk, and Kostas Tsimikas make up the defense. The midfield consists of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Curtis Jones. Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and Diogo Jota start up front to complete the starting XI.

Jones has retained his spot in midfield with Dominik Szoboszlai missing out entirely after failing to recover from an illness. The 23-year-old has been promising this season under Slot's tutelage, garnering three goals and five assists in 23 appearances across competitions. However, he struggled to make an impact during the Reds' 2-2 draw against Manchester United over the weekend.

One Liverpool fan posted:

"I’m shocked jones hasn’t been dropped after his poor performance against United."

Another fan tweeted:

"Curtis Jones ON. TV Off"

Other fans reacted below:

"Curtis jones i feel sick," one fan commented

"How does Curtis Jones keep playing?" one fan questioned

"Oh when the reds (not curtis jones) go marching in," another added

"Curtis jones getting rewarded weke in and week out for being a horrendous footballer.." another tweeted

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"He is up there, 100%" - Pundit praises Mohamed Salah; gives verdict on if Liverpool superstar is the best player in the world

Football pundit Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has waxed lyrical about Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah for his excellent form this season. He also reckons the 32-year-old one of the best players in the world due to his remarkable goal record.

Salah is arguably in the form of his career, having recorded 21 goals and 17 assists in 27 appearances across competitions. The Egyptian King is currently on course to claim the Premier League Golden Boot and Playmaker of the Season awards, and has a real shout of winning a maiden Ballon d'Or.

Hasselbaink said (via Rousing the Kop):

“Salah is doing the business and he’s doing it week-in week-out at the top. What impresses me is that he’s a wide-player who is scoring that many goals, time and time again. Is he the best [in the world]? It’s hard to say, but he is up there, 100%.”

Salah's feats have helped Liverpool challenge for the Premier League title. They are currently at the top of the table with 46 points from 19 games, as well as at the summit of the UEFA Champions League standings, having won all six of their games to date.