Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has fired a cryptic message after facing criticism for his comments on teammate Mohamed Salah. The 23-year-old divided opinion after a recent revelation during his interview with Rio Ferdinand for broadcaster TNT Sports.

Jones was forced to issue a response following the video which was published online. In response, he said that he would always pick Salah in his team, after previously admitting he thought Chelsea hero Eden Hazard was a better player than Salah.

The Liverpool academy graduate started in the 2-1 win over Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday night, even providing an assist for the Egyptian, who extended his mighty record as the Reds' goal-scorer in Europe to 50 with his opener against the French opposition. Harvey Elliott scored the other goal.

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Taking to social media platform Instagram, Jones shared a post on his story. He added the caption: "Something else for you to speak about," with a 'hand over mouth' emoji.

"I know this might go a little bit left with our fans - because that comparison is always there - but Hazard. Hazard is the one," Jones said speaking to Ferdinand, prompting controversy among a fraction of the supporters. "I know he's compared with Mo all the time and I've been into it with Mo.

"From a player who I saw when I was a kid when I loved the game and I was studying the game and wanted to be a player, I feel like Hazard was the one. Every game I'd watch him and I would just [say]; 'Wow, that's football'.

"I think it's goals and assists, that's the way the game's gone - that's the way it's shaped out. That's why Hazard now is - I wouldn't say disrespected - but he doesn't come into certain talks that he should.

"It's a 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 the team? You're going to say Mo - because he gets you the goals and he gets you the assists."