Opinion: What does the future hold for Curtis Jones at Liverpool?
Liverpool have had a somewhat tricky few seasons in the Premier League by the high standards they’ve set in recent years. The Reds are back in the mix for the title this term though, with Jurgen Klopp’s side in touch with league-leaders Manchester City heading into the season-defining festive period.
During that festive period, the Liverpool boss is likely to rotate his first-team options at times, as he looks to keep his squad fresh for key matches heading into the New Year. One player who will be hoping he can be given a run in the starting XI is Curtis Jones, who has endured a frustrating few months with injury problems. The youngster has also been impacted by the arrival of summer signing Dominik Szoboszlai, who has occupied a regular spot in the starting XI since signing from German side RB Leipzig.
Jones has made 106 appearances for Liverpool’s first-team since making his senior debut for the club back in 2018. The 22-year-old has caught the eye with some strong displays for the Reds over the years but will be looking to prove himself when given the chance by Klopp again in the near future. He’s contracted with the club until the summer of 2027, and if he continues to find regular minutes difficult to find, then it wouldn’t come as much of a surprise to see him potentially loaned out in future seasons.
Jones still has plenty of room to develop in senior football with regular game time, and a temporary move away from Anfield could be the ideal move for all parties involved, especially when Liverpool could benefit from a better player when he returns to the club after a loan spell.
Speaking to MyBettingSites, former Liverpool and England man John Barnes issued high praise for Jones, and was keen to see him build on some strong showings in the last few years for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
“Of course, Curtis Jones has everything to be a top Premier League player. As to whether he is going to be a top Premier League player at Liverpool, in terms of what we already have or where Liverpool want to go to be the best team in Europe, and if he’ll be one of the first names on the team sheet, probably not.”
“But that doesn’t mean he cannot play a big part for Liverpool and play particularly well.
“We’ll see what he can do. Obviously, he had a bit of an injury and then got sent off but in terms of what he has to offer to the team, he’s got lots, to any team in the Premier League.”
Liverpool have a season-defining few weeks ahead in their season, which starts at the Etihad Stadium after the international break, as they’re set to take on Manchester City in a top-of-the-table clash, which should be an entertaining watch. It seems unlikely that Jones will start in this match given the strength of options that Jurgen Klopp has in his midfield options, but he’ll be eager to prove himself in the near future, as otherwise, some might be forgiven for saying that his career could somewhat stall with Liverpool if he’s not getting the minutes he needs to further his development.
