Rafa Benitez hails the 'very difficult' thing Curtis Jones did in Liverpool's win over Chelsea
The former Reds boss was full of praise for the Liverpool midfielder
Former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has singled out Curtis Jones after a commanding display in the 2-1 win over Chelsea at Anfield. The Reds academy graduate played a part in winning the penalty for Mohamed Salah to dispatch from the spot before getting in on the goal-scoring act himself.
Benitez praised Jones' off-the-ball movement and his ability to win a number of second balls, which helped Liverpool control the game against Enzo Maresca's side, with his movement off the ball particularly effective.
Speaking on Match of the Day 2, the former Reds boss said: "We were talking about players, but the reality you see now, when you talk about long balls and second balls, he's going for the second ball. He's holding ball and dribbling past players.
"He showed here quality and character to do what he's doing. Here we can see the same situation, he's close to the second ball, he's going forward, finding the pass and making the run [to win the first penalty]. That is sometimes very difficult to run in behind defenders.
"Obviously Chelsea fans will say it's not a penalty, the Liverpool fans will say it's a penalty. He's kicking him and he goes on the floor a little bit late, but you have to accept that. Here again [for Gakpo's goal], the main thing is the timing, he shows composure and the timing to pass the ball in the advantage.
"I like this one especially, I'm always looking for a midfielder that understands what is going on around him. He's watching behind, he can see the space. Liverpool is three on three under pressure and he goes to the wide areas away from the two holding midfielders.
"He finds the space and goes forward, [if] he cannot, he goes backwards and keeps the ball. Again he finds the space and goes both sides of the midfielder. Now you see a change of pace [for his goal], the timing to get into the box and after he finishes with the right foot which is quite difficult.
"Here we see him on the floor tackling, using the body, he's strong and wins a foul for the team. He did a fantastic job."