Everton defender Phil Jagielka believes Mikel Arteta’s resurgent form could ruin Liverpool’s season.

The little Basque midfielder has been in sparkling form in recent weeks in a new central role.

Arteta has been moved in from the flanks because of Everton’s injury crisis and Tim Cahill’s role as a makeshift centre forward.

But three goals in the last two home games - including two outstanding free-kicks - has seen Arteta play a significant role in Everton’s run of six unbeaten matches.

Now Jagielka reckons Arteta is running into form at just the right time, with two derbies next up at Liverpool on January 19 in the Barclays Premier League, and then the FA Cup fourth-round tie on January 25.

Those games could shape Liverpool’s season as they chase the league title, and they will find Everton in their best form of the campaign.

Jagielka said: "There were some really good points from the win over Hull on Saturday, and Mikel’s form is one of them. He is in great nick at the moment, which is good with the two Liverpool games next for us.

"His free-kicks have been particularly good. He usually curls them in, but he has been smashing them lately and the one against Hull was a real cracker.

"It is nice to see him back at his best, not only his free-kicks but also his all-round play.

"He is always great on the ball, but if you look now at the headers, challenges and work rate he is putting in that you would not always associate with him, he is making that centre-midfield position his own."