Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praises Curtis Jones after his dominating performance against Newcastle United at Anfield
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp heaped praise on Curtis Jones after his dominating performance in the 4-2 victory over Newcastle United. The Reds registered their first win of 2024 against Newcastle to stay at the top of the Premier League table.
Liverpool kept 62% of the possession throughout the game but failed to beat goalkeeper Martin Dubravka in the first half. The Magpies’ goalkeeper made 10 saves overall, doing his best to keep his team in the match.
Liverpool have struggled with lapses in concentration in defence and being wasteful with their shots despite creating chances this season. Both problems came to haunt them during the evening as they took 34 shots with only 15 on target. At the same time, the Reds conceded two goals from just five shots that Newcastle managed to muster.
Jones delivered an all-round performance in the midfield, dictating the tempo while bombing forward whenever he could. The 22-year-old has progressed immensely in Klopp’s “Liverpool 2.0” this season, earning praise from the fans and pundits.
Speaking at the post-match press conference (h/t Liverpoolfc.com), Klopp praised the continuous influence of Jones in the game. He said:
“Special game. Special game from Curtis, to be honest: his high press, his counter-press. We all know how good a player Curtis is, he is technically incredibly skilled, but he finds more and more direction in his dribbling, he gets better out of situations and his pressing and counter-pressing is meanwhile… he sets the level actually, how it should look. Really happy with that. He keeps every player in the game.”
Jones has appeared in 19 games for the Reds in all competitions, contributing with three goals and three assists. The 22-year-old has been a frequent starter this season when he has been available, playing as the left central midfielder.
The Englishman has shown incredible work ethic and he is always available to take control of the possession. He has the technique to deliver precise passes and link up with his teammates with one-twos or quick through balls.
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Jones has drastically improved on his ball progression, using his close touches and quick-feet to move ahead at tight spaces. He has bulked up in past seasons to shield the ball even better in close quarters, becoming hard to dispossess.
The 22-year-old dwells less on the ball in the attacking third, dictating the possession and tempo in the middle third. Liverpool have a very diverse midfield with different players providing different qualities as Jones has been pivotal in possessional play.
