Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has weighed in on the popular Eden Hazard versus Mohamed Salah debate and Chelsea fans will love his answer.
Hazard and Salah are two of the greatest attacking players in Premier League history and their respective fans will defend them to the hilt.
Anytime a player or pundit gives their verdict on the comparison, it always does the rounds on social media with the two sets of supporters going at each other.
This time, however, Curtis Jones’ comments have caused even more of a stir than usual as he put his Reds allegiance to one side.
Curtis Jones makes Eden Hazard vs Mohamed Salah comparison
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand asked Jones about the influences on his playing career and he was quick to compliment Hazard, at the expense of his current teammate.
“My one, and I know this might go a bit left with our fans because the comparisons [with Salah] are always there, is Hazard,” he told TNT Sports. “I know he’s compared with Mo all the time and I’ve been into it with Mo.
“I play it on who I’ve seen as a kid, from when I loved and studied the game and who I wanted to be like as a player. I feel like Hazard was the one who, every game I’d watch him, I would just be like ‘Wow that’s football’.”
Jones is not the first non-Chelsea player to heap praise on the Blues legend but it’s not often one openly admits he would take him over someone on his team.
The Liverpool man added: “I wouldn’t say [Hazard is] disrespected but he might not come into certain talks that he should. [But] it’s the talk I’ve had with Mo and all the lads.
“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.”
Curtis Jones is right about Eden Hazard vs Mohamed Salah debate
The reason that the Hazard vs Salah debate is so prevalent is that it’s genuinely close. There are strong arguments to be made either way.
Of course, the stats are massively in the Egyptian’s favour. His production (175 goals in 284 Premier League games) is up there with the very best to have graced the English game.
Hazard’s (85 in 245), albeit still impressive, simply does not compare. However, football fans will struggle to think of a Premier League player – past or present – with more technical ability.
That’s why so many youngsters idolised the former Chelsea man, so much so that even Liverpool players aren’t afraid to say it.
The debate will go on as long as Salah’s goals continue to fire the Reds towards major honours, but Chelsea fans will certainly feel they now have the upper hand after Jones’ take.
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