Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp highlights the grit of Curtis Jones while playfully apologizing to him
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praised the tenacity of Curtis Jones and jokingly apologized for underutilizing him in the past. Jones played a pivotal role once again during the Reds’ first-leg victory over Fulham in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Liverpool beat Fulham 2-1 at Anfield after going behind in the 19th minute from a goal by Willian. The Reds had many crucial players absent due to injuries and international duties as Jones kept his starting role.
The 22-year-old has established himself as one of the key players in Klopp’s “Liverpool 2.0” this season. The Liverpool boss used the summer transfer window to revamp his midfield after last season’s struggle.
However, Curtis has managed to keep his place and evolved into a more valuable player, proving his naysayers wrong. He has shown maturity, hard work and determination alongside the technical qualities he always possessed, securing a regular role.
The 22-year-old has made 22 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions, contributing with four goals and three assists. He has missed games due to an ankle injury and thigh problems apart from a red card suspension. Jones received a controversial red card in Liverpool’s only Premier League loss of the season against Tottenham Hotspur.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live (h/t BBC), Klopp hilariously apologized to Jones for underutilizing him in the past. He said:
“Coincidentally I heard his interview and the only thing to break through was “I need more game time”. I love that! So sorry Curtis that I didn’t give you more game time earlier. He has made big steps. He looked like the fittest player on the whole pitch. He got a knock, I think a dead leg, he went down, but then a second later he turned around and scored. A good footballer, very, very good – he always was… but using these skills, he is now for me, for him for everybody thank god, doing it consistently. That is really cool.”
The England U21 dominated the midfield against Fulham, scoring the equalizer to drive his team back into the game. He started the match alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch and played the whole match despite receiving a knock.
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— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 1, 2024
Curtis Jones finishes off a brilliant move and Liverpool lead again! pic.twitter.com/8aklCKPDI3
Apart from his goal, Jones finished the game with 98% passing accuracy (h/t fotmob), six recoveries and four defensive actions. Many fans have rightfully praised the 22-year-old for successfully doing the job that Gini Wijnaldum did for Klopp’s “Liverpool 1.0”.
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Klopp has done an impressive job balancing the club’s success and ambitions with providing opportunities to the academy players. Jones sets a perfect example of what young players from the Liverpool academy can achieve under this current setup.
