Jurgen Klopp Hints at Curtis Jones’ Future in Holding Midfield for Liverpool

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hinted that Curtis Jones could have a future in holding midfield for the Reds after experimenting with the young Scouser in pre-season. With Fabinho and Jordan Henderson sold to Saudi Arabia, and a deal for Romeo Lavia still in the works, the Reds were without a recognised holder for Sunday’s meeting with Leicester in Singapore.

Trent Alexander-Arnold had been asked to operate in that position in previous friendlies, but was restored to his right-back hybrid role against the Foxes. As such, the responsibility fell to Jones, who had played as a holder for England U21s in their victorious Euros campaign earlier this summer.

Klopp suggested that Jones could fill the role of No. 6 if needed, saying “In possession, there’s no doubt that Curtis can have a massive impact from that position. I think his development in the last few months since he was with us is remarkable. Before that, the steps he made were really good, for his young age he played for Liverpool already incredible games but was not stable until a year ago or so, then [had a] bad injury. [Since] it looks stable and the Euros gave him, for sure, confidence. So, having him on the pitch makes sense. In this position? If nobody else is there, he can play that definitely.”

Curtis Jones’ Impressive Pre-Season Performance

Jones impressed in his role against Leicester and Klopp’s comments suggest he could be given further opportunities as a No. 6 in the near future. With Lavia not yet through the door and having not clocked more than 45 minutes on the pitch in any of Southampton’s pre-season friendlies, the Belgian may face a slow adjustment period if, as expected, he signs. That makes the likelihood of Jones starting as the deep-lying midfielder when Liverpool head to Chelsea on August 13 higher.

Before then, though, are friendlies against Bayern Munich on Wednesday and Darmstadt on Monday, with Klopp likely to give further hints to his team selection for the Premier League opener.

Curtis Jones’ Potential at Liverpool

Jones has been with Liverpool since he was a child and has made several appearances for the first team over the past two seasons. He scored his first senior goal for the Reds in January 2019 and has been tipped by many to become a key part of Klopp’s side in the future. His impressive performances for England U21s this summer have only strengthened this belief.

Klopp’s comments suggest that Jones could be given an opportunity to prove himself in holding midfield this season. With Fabinho and Henderson gone and Lavia yet to arrive, Jones could be given a chance to show what he can do in the role. If he impresses, he could become a regular starter for Liverpool in the coming years.

Conclusion

Curtis Jones has been with Liverpool since he was a child and has made several appearances for the first team over the past two seasons. His impressive performances for England U21s this summer have only strengthened the belief that he could become a key part of Klopp’s side in the future. With Fabinho and Henderson gone and Lavia yet to arrive, Jones could be given an opportunity to prove himself in holding midfield this season.

Klopp has hinted that Jones could have a future in holding midfield for Liverpool after experimenting with him in pre-season. The young Scouser impressed against Leicester and Klopp’s comments suggest he could be given further opportunities as a No. 6 in the near future. If he impresses, he could become a regular starter for Liverpool in the coming years.