Curtis Jones recently sparked a bit of controversy when he suggested that Eden Hazard was a “better footballer” than his Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah. In a candid interview with Rio Ferdinand for TNT Sports, Jones didn’t hold back, stating that he would personally pay to watch Hazard play over Salah. However, he quickly added that while Hazard might be the more entertaining player to watch, Salah is more of a match-winner, and that’s why he would still choose the Egyptian in his team. To clarify any misunderstanding, Jones posted a tweet later, showing a picture of himself smiling with Salah, saying, “The one I’d rather have in my team.”
Jones’ remarks about Hazard were more than just a comparison of two great players; they were deeply personal. He shared how, as a kid, he admired Hazard and watched him with awe, something he hadn’t quite felt for many others. “I know this might go a little bit left with our fans because the comparison is always there, but Hazard is the one,” he said during the interview. “I know we compare him with Mo all the time and I’ve been into it with Mo.” For Jones, Hazard’s style of play left a lasting impression on him during his formative years as a footballer. “Every game, I’d watch him, just like, ‘wow, that’s football.'” For Jones, it was the Belgian’s flair, creativity, and dribbling ability that made him feel as though he was witnessing something special.
He also went on to point out that while Hazard may not get the recognition he deserves in some football discussions, he still rates him highly. “I wouldn’t say he’s disrespected, but he wouldn’t come into certain talks that he should,” Jones explained. The midfield star even mentioned that he had discussed this with Salah and some of the other Liverpool players. According to Jones, while he believes Hazard is technically the better player, when it comes to choosing someone for the team, Salah’s goal-scoring record and ability to produce in big moments make him the obvious pick.
Ferdinand agreed, acknowledging the dilemma of appreciating Hazard’s artistry and creativity but also recognizing that Salah is more of a match-winner. “I’d pay to go and see Hazard first, but if I’m going to pick a team to win a game, I’m picking Salah,” Ferdinand said. Jones agreed, saying, “Yeah, exactly, for sure, it’s as simple as that.”
Despite Jones’ attempt to clarify his position, some fans were quick to take issue with his words, especially given the fact that he’s discussing his own teammate. One Twitter user expressed frustration, writing, “Even if that is true, why would you say that to the media in the middle of a season about your own teammate?” Another fan simply said, “That’s your teammate, Curtis. Harsh that. Salah > Hazard imo.”
On the other hand, there were those who understood where Jones was coming from. Some Liverpool fans felt that while Salah is undoubtedly a better goal-scorer, Hazard’s overall play has more flair. “Big facts, I am a Liverpool fan and people would rather buy a match ticket for Hazard than Salah. Salah is just a better goalscorer, but everything else Hazard is better at!” one fan argued. Another user took a more measured view, saying, “Listen to the full video, he doesn’t disrespect Mo in any way shape or form. He enjoys watching Hazard more, so what? He also says he would have Mo in his team ahead of Hazard.”
If Jones had made this comment a decade ago, when Hazard was at his peak and Salah was still establishing himself at Chelsea and later Roma, there would likely have been less of a backlash. Back then, Hazard was one of the most highly regarded talents in world football, and the idea of him being more enjoyable to watch than any other player might not have seemed outlandish. However, with Salah’s rise to prominence at Liverpool, especially after his incredible 2017-18 season and subsequent consistency, it’s no surprise that some fans are more defensive of the Egyptian King.
Ultimately, Jones’ comments weren’t meant to put Salah down, but to highlight his admiration for Hazard’s style of play. It’s a conversation that could spark debate for years to come, especially as Salah continues to break records and solidify his legacy at Liverpool. But for now, Jones’ reflection on the two players is just another reminder of how football can inspire different perspectives, even within the same team.s
