Curtis Jones’ form gives Liverpool supporters hope for next season

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All the talk this summer will surround Liverpool’s midfield rebuild, but one man is doing his level best to ensure that he remains a part of Jurgen Klopp’s plan next season. Curtis Jones has been a player reborn in recent weeks, starting nine consecutive Premier League matches at the time of writing.

Jones has hardly put a foot wrong in that time, playing a key role in Liverpool’s midfield as the Reds have rediscovered their form, putting together a late charge for Champions League qualification, although the top 4 odds are still against them.

The 22-year-old has scored three goals in his last four matches, doubling his total tally of Premier League strikes for Liverpool, and the newfound confidence in his game is clear for all to see. Jones hasn’t always had the best of luck with injuries in the last few seasons, but now he seems to be finding himself in this Liverpool team.

A brace in the recent 3-0 win over Leicester City showcased just how far Jones has come. His first goal was the result of a well-time run from deep, arriving to meet Mohamed Salah’s sensational delivery and steer home Liverpool’s opening goal. The second was a stunning strike, latching onto the ball on the edge of the area before firing past Daniel Iversen.

Jones’ game has come on leaps and bounds over the last few months. In the past, he tended to slow down play, take too many touches, and was often weak in challenges. Now there is a much more dynamic style to his play, moving the ball quickly and running with purpose.

Liverpool’s change in system has certainly helped too. The emergence of Trent Alexander-Arnold as an auxiliary midfielder when the Reds have possession has allowed Jones to venture forward more regularly without exposing Fabinho, meaning he can get involved with the front three and link play.

“He improved a lot, so I think a lot of things came together,” Klopp said after the Leicester game. “You should not forget he is still a young boy and one or two years ago he played super games for us as well. Then he had a difficult spell with injuries.

“I think where he improved the most is counter-pressing, it’s exceptional, and speed of play. He doesn’t keep the ball that long anymore – he does that, and has to do in moments, but he is much quicker in decision-making and stuff like this.”

The whole team is playing with more confidence, and when all the parts of a team are working in tandem, every single player flourishes. Klopp deserves a lot of credit for the way he has reinvented Liverpool’s style of play, but their improvement is also down to the individuals stepping up and being counted. That’s exactly what Jones has done.

There will likely be at least two new midfield additions this summer, so Jones’ good form is coming at the perfect time, especially with the confirmed departures of Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner. Before this spell of improvement, many were writing him off, but now he’s giving his manager something to really think about for next season.