“Manager likes”- PL icon backs Liverpool youngster for a more important role next season

Paul Robinson expects Curtis Jones to start more games for Liverpool next season

Former Premier League and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, while speaking to Football Insider (h/t Liverpool Echo), backed Curtis Jones to play an important role for Liverpool next season.

The 42-year-old believes the Reds have made the right choice in keeping the young midfielder at the club. He feels that since the Merseyside club aren’t signing anyone significant in the midfield this summer, Jones could play a big role in the squad.

“It is the right decision to keep him. Whether that is the best decision for the player or not only time will tell.

“It is quite clear that Liverpool are not going to sign any more midfielders in this window so I’d expect him to get more game time next season.

“It is now more of a squad game than ever. Jones will get his game time and his opportunity. He is a player who the manager likes.”

Robinson is of the opinion that Liverpool don’t need to sell one of their best young midfielders. The former England goalkeeper expects the 21-year-old to start more games next season for the Reds and hopes the midfielder can take his qualities with the opportunities given by Jurgen Klopp.

“I expect Jones to start more games than he ever has done. He has an opportunity to show the manager what he can do this year.”

Jones’ influence has been increasing over the years

Jones will certainly be one of the players in and around the squad next season, hoping to get game time. Already having played 74 games for Liverpool, the 21-year-old is more than experienced for his age, playing in one of the best sides in the world.

Last campaign, the youngster made 27 appearances for the team in a season where the Merseyside club was close to winning the quadruple. Having started his career as a winger, Jones has retained that attacking drive and intensity while being deployed as a central midfielder.

Having made his debut in 2019 for his boyhood club, the Scouser has increased his influence over the squad in recent years. Our German manager has slowly integrated the youngster into the side and the 21-year-old now competes with the likes of Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson for game time.

With Naby Keita having just one year left on his contract, keeping hold of Jones is even more essential. Henderson and Thiago aren’t getting any younger either and to have a talented youngster in the squad to potentially take their places when the time is right is a luxury to have for most top clubs.

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Fans will hope the 21-year-old can step up his game next season and shine. Liverpool are in need of fresh blood in the midfield and hopefully, Jones can inject a bit of youthfulness and agility when given a chance in the team.