25 September 2023 , 09:29
484
0
Curtis Jones is thriving in Liverpool 's new look midfield following a summer of change at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp headed into the summer transfer window with the aim of renovating his beleaguered engine room. Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch have all since arrived at the club for substantial transfer fees, while Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have moved on to pastures new.
And while Mac Allister and Szoboszlai have already caught the eye, Jones has more than held his own amongst Liverpool's new all-star cast. The 22-year-old academy graduate enjoyed another fine game on the left-hand side of the Reds midfield three in Sunday's 3-1 win over West Ham and left the field to a standing ovation in the 77th minute of the match.
However, it had seemed as though Jones was being lined up to fill a different role by Klopp in the build-up to the 2023/24 campaign. With the Reds struggling to find a replacement for Fabinho, Klopp was adamant Jones had all the necessary credentials to thrive in a deeper position.
Speaking back in August during the club's pre-season trip to Singapore, Klopp said: “In this actual set up how we have it and how the squad looks, he [Jones] is one of the options definitely. I think it’s no secret that we are still looking for players to join us, that’s one thing and the other is using what you have and I think Curtis can absolutely play that position.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
“Can he play it when no one else is defending in the team? No, no chance. But then I don’t know any player who can do that.
“But if you really understand the situation how it is in this moment, a proven 6 is not available in the moment, do we make an excuse for that? During the season a lot of things can happen, it was always the case. We see it as a challenge and try to find a way to be compact anyway.”
Join the debate! What have you made of Jones' start to the season? Let us know here.
Curtis Jones has impressed in Jurgen Klopp's new look Liverpool midfield (Michael Regan/Getty)Klopp continued: “In possession there’s no doubt Curtis can have a massive impact from that position. I think his development in the last few months, since he’s with us is really remarkable. Held back by some injuries in the wrong moment, too long. Nobody’s fault, [it] just happens with young players. Before that the steps he made were really good.
“Having him on the pitch makes sense. In this position, if nobody else is there he can play that definitely.”
A new report from The Athletic has highlighted that the Anfield chief and his coaching staff have been working with Jones - who has started Liverpool's last three league games - behind the scenes in a bid to quicken the midfielder's passing.
The England Under-21 star has now seemingly cemented his spot in Klopp's first-team plans for the foreseeable future after reaping the benefits of his focused training regime.
Jones has already clocked up over 100 senior appearances for the Reds since breaking into the first-team picture, plundering 11 goals and laying on 11 assists during that period.