Many people would agree that Curtis Jones initially struggled when he broke into the Liverpool first team. Despite his goal against Everton in the FA Cup, he hadn’t produced many memorable performances in a red shirt, as people began to wonder what his future might look like.
After Liverpool’s lack of brilliance in the 2022/23 campaign, Jones was given the opportunity at the end of the season to see what he could offer, and he took his chance. After losing 4–1 away at the Ethiad, he started 11 consecutive matches where Liverpool remained unbeaten. Many Liverpool fans would say he has become the ‘perfect’ replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum following the Dutch midfielders departure in 2021.
One difference we see in their games, at least in a Liverpool shirt, is the amount Jones offers in the final third. He ranks in the 97th percentile for touches in the opponent’s penalty area per 90 (3.35) and in the 90th percentile for progressive runs per 90 (2.66) compared to European midfielders. Even when it comes to key chances, he averages 0.21 non-penalty goals per 90 and 0.21 assists per 90.
Jones occupies space on the left extremely well as he links play with the left winger and left back when Liverpool look to attack, but when necessary he makes dangerous runs through the center, such as his goal against West Ham in the Carabao Cup quarter. Final. His ability to dictate and find space is an important part of his game, which can be vital to Liverpool’s chances of success.
However, his main contribution to Jurgen Klopp’s system is his pressing and counter-pressing. This sounds a lot like Wijnaldum, who has played a crucial role in Klopp’s puzzle, as Jones’ pressing is one of the highest on the team, while also making a high number of turnovers. Add that to Jones’ great passing accuracy and progressive passing/running, he has earned himself a position in the starting XI.
At 22, he still needs to develop his game and he has done so, as he has added a number of goals and important assists to his game. Even recently, when he scored the important equalizer against Fulham in the Carabao Cup semi-final as Liverpool won 2-1.
The Liverpool-born midfielder has been handed a second opportunity at the club, and with injuries hopefully behind him, he looks to be a major stay in the team for the future.
