Is Curtis Jones’s bold performance a turning point for his career at Liverpool?

Jurgen Klopp remarked, “That was a cheeky move through the legs.” Curtis Jones is known for his playful and bold approach to his responsibilities. Despite being a skilled midfielder, he had not scored this season. However, in typical fashion, he finally scored his first goal of the season by sneaking the ball through the legs of the goalkeeper at a difficult angle. It was a clever and daring move.

Although West Ham’s performance at Anfield was underwhelming, Jones humiliated Alphonse Areola by scoring between his legs. He went on to score two goals for Liverpool, showcasing his impressive solo runs and ability to maintain momentum. Jones effortlessly weaved through defenders, making it look effortless. Despite being challenged by six West Ham players, none were able to halt his progress.

Klopp commented that the player has a great skillset, but occasionally fails to increase the pace of the game. He possesses speed and tempo, but does not utilize it frequently. Klopp hopes that tonight’s game serves as an awakening for the player and recognizes his potential. He performed well in the top game and showed sharpness throughout. Klopp believes this was a significant progression for Curtis and hopes he continues to improve in this aspect.

Klopp hopes that Jones’ impressive performance in the 5-1 victory over West Ham will be a turning point for him. This could potentially be another standout moment for the 18-year-old, who first made an impact with a goal against Merseyside rivals four years ago. This early success showed that Jones is not intimidated by big stages and can score memorable goals.

Although his career with Liverpool has been inconsistent since then, Jones may solidify his position as a first-choice player by the end of 2023. Despite facing competition in the revamped midfield, the Liverpudlian player may emerge as an unexpected victor.

Jones may potentially make an appearance in the highly anticipated match against Arsenal this Saturday, regardless of Ryan Gravenberch’s availability. Both players possess a contemporary style of play, with a recent trend of utilizing dribblers in the midfield. This approach aims to disrupt opponents by using their speed to bypass them. While this may signify a significant change in strategy, it is worth noting that the midfielders in Klopp’s previous successful team were not known for their ball-carrying abilities. Jones stands out as a bold and daring player in this regard.

Klopp commented that the player looked exceptionally impressive due to his improved ball acceleration, which is a crucial aspect of the game. While he may not be able to execute it against every opponent, there are certain teams where he can effectively pass the first line and carry the ball forward. His second goal was especially impressive as he took the ball towards the penalty spot, a rare occurrence but a vital skill for him to have. Overall, it was an exceptional game for him, and his freshness on the field was expected given that he has not played many minutes in recent weeks.

Klopp believed that part of the reason for this was due to bad luck, specifically the red card at Tottenham which led to a suspension for three matches. Jones ended last season on a high note and has continued to perform well this season. Despite being a survivor after the team’s major changes, he has been chosen as captain for a few games.

In the past, fans were upset with him, but Klopp was more patient. Now, with the departure of older players, he has become the most prominent midfielder from before the summer spending spree. Harvey Elliott, who also played exceptionally well against West Ham, seems to be limited to a substitute role. However, Jones has the potential to be a starter. As competition for spots increases in the future, with a possible signing of a top-notch defensive midfielder, players like Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai may also vie for positions. This may lead to Jones, someone who could have been a backup or sold for funds, emerging as the unexpected successor.

It is unlikely that Klopp would have considered such a possibility. However, the main issue is not that Jones surpassed the playing time of both Henderson and Milner. The departures of Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain held more importance for him, and although injuries may have played a role, these two attacking midfielders could have hindered his aspirations.

Liverpool 2.0 stands out from their previous versions in several ways. The midfield’s positivity is the most notable difference. Jones has been tasked with scoring more goals, and in the quarter-final, he succeeded with a combination of skill and boldness, showcasing the complete package of Curtis Jones.

The source for this information is the Independent, a trusted news publication.