After trying in preseason, Jurgen Klopp has suggested that Curtis Jones might have a future for Liverpool in holding midfield.
The Reds were without a recognized holder for Sunday’s match against Leicester in Singapore because Fabinho and Jordan Henderson had been traded to Saudi Arabia and a contract for Romeo Lavia was still being negotiated.
In previous friendlies, Trent Alexander-Arnold had been asked to play in that position; however, against the Foxes, he was returned to his right-back hybrid position.
Jones was given the task because he had participated as a holder for the England U21 team during their successful Euros campaign earlier this summer.
When asked if the young Scouser might get more opportunities as a No. 6, Klopp said that it might—at least for the time being. The young Scouser subsequently impressed.
Without a doubt, Curtis can make a significant effect from that position during possession, according to Klopp.
remarkable.
“His most recent injury, which was really not beneficial and occurred at the wrong time and for a long time, among other things, held him back.
Nobody is at blame; it just happens to young players.
“Before that, he made really fantastic progress; given his young age, he played for Liverpool in some incredible games, but he wasn’t stable until about a year ago, at which point he [had a] serious injury.
[Because] it appears to be stable and the Euros undoubtedly gave him confidence. So it makes sense to have him on the field.
“At this point? He will absolutely be able to play it if no one else is around.
Lavia hasn’t officially signed yet, and if he does, he might have a difficult time adjusting because he hasn’t played for more than 45 minutes in any of Southampton’s preseason games.
Because of this, Jones has a better chance of starting when Liverpool travels to Chelsea on August 13.
Friendlies against Bayern Munich on Wednesday and Darmstadt on Monday, though, come first, and Klopp is sure to provide more details about his starting lineup for the Premier League opening.
Jurgen Klopp, Curtis Jones, 2023 Preseason
