Cody Gakpo tells Curtis Jones ‘Santa’s come early’ as the Liverpool midfielder is praised for his ‘very hard work’ by his Anfield team-mate after starring with two goals in Carabao Cup victory

• Curtis Jones scored twice in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup win against West Ham
• The Reds midfielder was praised by his team-mate Cody Gakpo after the match
• Roy Keane can be a pantomime villain, but you can never accuse him of faking it. He couldn’t hide his simmering irritation – It’s All Kicking Off

Cody Gakpo warmly praised his Liverpool team-mate Curtis Jones after the 22-year-old starred in his side’s Carabao Cup thrashing of West Ham on Wednesday.

Liverpool set themselves up with a semi-final clash against Fulham after putting five past David Moyes’ side, with Jones scoring twice in the Anfield encounter.

Jones has been hard-pushed for starts at the Reds this season with the midfielder making three starts in the League Cup, but featuring in Jurgen Klopp’s starting side just five times in the Premier League.

The Englishman has given the Liverpool manager a selection dilemma heading into the final matches of the year after starring in the semi-final encounter.

Jones lifted the man-of-the-match award and was presented with it by a jubilant Gakpo afterwards.

Curtis Jones starred with two goals in Liverpool’s 5-1 thrashing of West Ham on Wednesday

Jones produced his best performance of the season as Liverpool advanced to the Carabao Cup semi-final

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Speaking in the tunnel, Gakpo celebrated with Jones and praised the hard work he has been putting in behind-the-scenes at the club’s training ground. 

‘Santa’s come early,’ Gakpo told Sky Sports while standing alongside Jones.

‘Quick word, very proud of you, you are working very hard, nobody see’s it as it’s behind closed doors but you deserve all the best and keep going brother,’ he added.

Jones will be hoping for more consistent opportunities after his League Cup efforts and was congratulated by his Reds team-mates on the pitch at full time.

Cody Gakpo heaped praise on Jones after the match as he gave his team-mate the man-of-the-match award

Jones also revealed what he discussed with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp at full time

Klopp pulled the midfielder aside for a separate chat while putting his arm around Jones and the Liverpool academy talent gave an insight into what was being discussed.

‘In the first half there was a time when Darwin [Nunez] had the ball and I could have a run. It was a throw-in but was at the end of the game.

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‘I was saying that I wanted to manage the game and didn’t want to receive the ball and give it away and they score at the end.

‘It is what it is, no problem,’ Jones added as he was given his individual MOTM accolade. 

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