Ex-Liverpool defender Jose Enrique wants to see Curtis Jones line-up alongside Fabinho and Jordan Henderson at the back-end of this season, with Thiago dropping to the bench.
Jones netted his fourth goal of the season to give Liverpool the lead at Sheffield United on Sunday and his overall performance was hailed as 'outstanding' by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher (via The Boot Room).
The local midfielder has made a meaningful first-team breakthrough this season, grabbing the opportunity presented to him by injuries with both hands.
He has started 11 Premier League matches and four of Liverpool's six Champions League ties (via Transfermarkt).
Enrique explains his bold Jones call
"In our current formation, I like him on the left of the midfield three," he wrote in his Empire of the Kop column.
"This way he can cut in and shoot with his right-foot. He also helps out Robbo defensively and opens spaces for other players.
"I’d love to see him with Fabinho holding and Hendo on the right at the end of the season – even though I also love Thiago – who I still think is better at no.6."
Transfer Tavern verdict
There is no doubt that Jones has made enormous strides this season, but there is much more to come from Thiago.
In fact, when he played alongside Fabinho and Henderson away to Everton - in close to a full-strength Liverpool side - he was man of the match. This was a glimpse of what he will be able to do when the team regains its balance.
Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago will likely be the first-choice trio going forward, but Jones has climbed high enough in the pecking order to ensure he will still get plenty of minutes.