News'We are really happy and proud with Curtis'

Making his 14th start of the campaign last Wednesday night, Jones bagged his fourth goal – with the help of a deflection – to begin the Reds’ comeback versus Fulham at Anfield.

The midfielder’s equaliser was quickly followed by a fine Cody Gakpo finish in front of the Kop as Jürgen Klopp’s men secured a 2-1 advantage from the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

Jones, who had previously netted twice in the last-eight defeat of West Ham United, has been involved in 32 of Liverpool’s 43 fixtures since last April.

And Lijnders saluted the growing influence the Scouser is having on the team.

“I have to say, his development goes hand in hand with the development the team went through, already since the end of last year,” the assistant manager told Liverpoolfc.com.

“He always shows up, he’s this player who really leads with the ball and without the ball.

“He played an incredible [U21] Euros, for me he was the best player there. He is so influential for the team, with the ball and without the ball.

“It’s really cool to see how he shows up every time again. We are really happy and proud with him that he can give so much impulse every game again and again.”