Ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League victory over Atalanta, plenty of Reds fans would have thought that perhaps the experienced James Milner would have made up the midfield three alongside the usual Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum.
However, I was surprised to see the inclusion of 19-year-old academy graduate Curtis Jones start his second game in the European competition this season – and it is fair to say that the young scouser played very well.
Jones started in Liverpool’s midfield three and dominated proceedings in the middle of the pitch, achieving a 93% pass success rate at the end of the game – as well as totaling 6.9% of the Reds’ overall possession during the game, more than any other Liverpool player.
Should Curtis Jones start against Man City?
Yes
No
It has become evident in recent weeks that Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of the teenager, having played 6 games in all competitions already this season – with an assist in the Champions League and 2 goals in the League Cup.
With a busy schedule of games this month, Jones is likely to feature throughout, and deservedly so – with the youngster making it count when called upon, especially in the Champions League, with Jones averaging a 7.38/10 WhoScored match rating after his two appearances against Ajax and Atalanta.
Klopp was quoted after Liverpool’s 7-2 win over Lincoln City in the League Cup, where Jones was on target twice saying about his admiration for the midfielder, stating “He is a hard-working boy – and he loves all the feedback” – a trait that Klopp is a fan of, players willing and keen enough to learn and improve, and that is everything that Jones is about.
The midfielder will most certainly be in contention for the weekend’s game against Manchester City at the Etihad after his positive performances as of late, with the game proving an important one in the overall landscape of the season ahead, despite being just 7 games in so far.
No matter the outcome of Klopp’s starting lineup come Sunday, it is no secret that Jones has become a part of the first team set up at the club and that he will be a player for the future for Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
What do you think Reds, has Curtis Jones impressed you this season? Let us know down in the comments below…