There have been occasions in 2023/24 when Curtis Jones felt as necessary to Liverpool’s midfield as Gini Wijnaldum as soon as did, however accidents once more stunted him.
Few gamers got here out of the 2022/23 season with their reputations enhanced, however Jones was one such determine, having ended the marketing campaign strongly.
The midfield rebuild noticed Fabinho and Jordan Henderson solid apart, amongst others, however Jones has continued to develop over the previous 12 months, albeit with speed-bumps thrown in.
Curtis Jones, 2023/24
Began: 36 (All competitions)On in its place: 12Unused sub: 5Goals: 5Assists: 3Overall Season Score: 7.28
A optimistic season that petered out
It was at all times going to be fascinating to see how Liverpool’s new-look midfield fared in these early months of the season, with 4 new faces introduced in.
Whereas Dominik Szoboszlai stole the present initially, the others felt their manner in, permitting Jones to play an understated however key position in the midst of the park.
The 23-year-old was a vibrant presence, beginning 4 of the primary seven Premier League video games and linking successfully with these round him, maturing a lot from his extra flamboyant, attack-minded years.
Having ended 2022/23 impressively, he discovered one other gear in August and September, combining reliability on the ball with tactical intelligence.
This wasn’t the cocky younger teenager who used to make headlines within the youth group with dazzling footwork – this was a disciplined footballer doing precisely what Klopp requested of him.
Sadly, a harsh pink card at Tottenham set Jones again, seeing his season lose rhythm, and he didn’t begin once more within the league for almost two months.
From then on, it was hit-and-miss, not as a result of he wasn’t enjoying nicely, however as a result of he wasn’t absolutely match typically sufficient.
By the point the season reached its conclusion, Jones had solely made 14 Premier League begins, which speaks volumes.
He shone when he was on the pitch, with Klopp calling him “tremendous necessary in several departments,” however his standing within the midfield didn’t really feel as robust in Could because it did earlier within the marketing campaign.
Maybe the most important praise you may pay Jones is that he was typically appreciated most when he was unavailable, proving to be the underrated gel that held the midfield collectively.
He didn’t catch the attention as a lot as Alexis Mac Allister, or benefit from the cult hero standing that Wataru Endo has, however Liverpool have been extra balanced when he was within the group.
Arne Slot’s reply to Gini Wijnaldum?
The participant who the new-look Jones immediately attracts comparisons with is Wijnaldum – such an unsung hero for Liverpool at their peak beneath Klopp.
There have been larger names, however few possessed the Dutchman’s capacity to be so press-resistant, cowl floor at will and maintain his place so immaculately.
Jones isn’t at Wijnaldum’s degree but – he nonetheless has additional gears to search out – however it’s simple to see why he’s spoken of in an analogous breath.
No Liverpool common posted a better move completion fee than Jones (91.5%) in 2023/24.
Jones is degree with Virgil van Dijk, however his numbers are extra spectacular due to the place he performs in.
The way wherein he retains possession in tight areas, supplies business and chips in in entrance of aim – 5 targets and assists piece – has come on leaps and bounds.
The largest distinction between Jones and Wijnaldum is availability, although, and that’s the fundamental factor threatening to carry the previous again.
Accidents more likely to decide Jones’ path
Accidents are such an enormous side of soccer and have the potential to outline a participant’s profession.
Simply have a look at fellow Liverpool midfielders such Thiago, Naby Keita and Adam Lallana, none of whom reached their potential at Anfield.
Whereas Jones is extra dependable injury-wise, it’s exhausting to disregard that his struggles to remain match for lengthy intervals have gotten problematic.
As talked about, he made solely 14 league begins in 2023/24 – 36 in whole and along with his longest run of begins being simply 5 video games – and given how extremely Klopp rated him, that tally would have been far better have been he out there extra.
Each time Jones builds up momentum, wanting like being a real key starter most weeks, a spell on the sidelines comes his manner.
The younger Scouser can take solace from the truth that his hero, Steven Gerrard, additionally had damage issues till he was round 23, earlier than changing into much more dependable.
This does really feel like a major level in Jones’ profession, nonetheless, having now gone previous the purpose of being a teen.
It will likely be fascinating to see how Arne Slot plans to make use of him – he has so many midfielders to maintain comfortable – however his skillset absolutely appeals to the brand new head coach.
Opinion seems to be divided on the subject of Jones’ ceiling as a footballer, but when he generally is a nice squad participant who begins most of the time for the subsequent decade, he can have loved an excellent profession.
It received’t be expertise or capacity to study that cease him, however these dreaded accidents.
Finest second: An amazing solo effort at house to West Ham within the League Cup.
Worst second: The tough pink card away to Spurs.
Position subsequent season: Wonderful squad participant.
