If Gareth Southgate is as sensible as many believe, Curtis Jones will play in the European Championships this summer.It’s no exaggeration to say the Scouser is fast becoming the heartbeat of a top four side chasing Liverpool.
It’s often unclear just how essential Jones is to this team. “It’s very important, very, very important for us,” Reds manager Jurgen Klopp said after another outstanding performance as Liverpool beat Fulham in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday. And the German coach is in his place.
Of course, Jones’ main contribution was the 69th-minute equaliser, but it was another outstanding all-round performance from the 22-year-old, who finished with a 98% success rate and finished the game one-on- one. step. The role of a midfielder in boxing. Is there a more underrated player in the Premier League than Jones? Personally, this reporter has already fallen into the trap of not being sure what his contribution is.
Especially if you don’t watch him every game. He’s not a standout player in today’s game and he’s certainly not a prolific goalscorer.
While that is slowly changing, watching him in person every week and especially watching the stress-free replays, his talent is evident.Jones contributes on the offensive end with his impeccable passing record and growing goal threat. Runs an average of 12.6 km per 90 minutes and contributes defensively and with urgency. He also contributes with smart turns when he is away from the ball. Of all central midfielders in the Premier League this season, only Pascal Gross and Douglas Luiz (both active) have had more minutes with a goal or assist than Jones’ 176 minutes.
He surpassed last season’s scoring record and tripled his assists.According to his defensive stats, he has committed 0.7 turnovers per game this season, up from 0.3 last season, and his possessions per game have increased from 4.8 to 6.3.
He is also creating more shots, more assists and more chances this season than last season. Things haven’t been easy for Jones. Klopp and England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley have previously criticized him and called for more. When a coach publicly holds back a player, he usually expects backlash.
