Curtis Jones developing a new side to his game in pre-season

Promising youngster Curtis Jones admits he must add defensive discipline to his game to fully satisfy Jurgen Klopp but believes playing alongside new arrivals Fabinho and Naby Keita can only be beneficial to his development.

Jones has earned plaudits from Reds supporters following a series of assured and impressive performances in Liverpool’s friendlies, emerging as one of the academy’s best prospects.

The pre-season games have given him an opportunity to adapt to Jurgen Klopp’s unique style of play, which he says places significant demands on attacking midfielders.

“I think I bring a lot when I’m on the ball and dribbling in the final third, but it’s the other side of the game; the defending, the competing, heading, tackles and running back you have to do to help the defence,” he told the club website when asked what Klopp wants to see from him.

“It was a different kind of 45 [minutes] for me [against Blackburn on Thursday]. I think it wasn’t a game for me when I get on the ball and use my dribbling skills, it was more me getting the ball and keeping it and letting the team tick over.”

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BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND – Wednesday, December 6, 2017: Liverpool’s Curtis Jones celebrates scoring the first goal during the UEFA Youth League Group E match between Liverpool FC and FC Spartak Moscow at Prenton Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

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The 17-year-old has had the chance to play alongside two top-drawer midfielders in Keita and Fabinho and says he has learned a great deal from observing them.

“They are two top players, you can see why the club got them in,” he said.

“Watching them training and training alongside them has really helped me and I’ve come a long way since I’ve been with them in training.”

Jones will now be hoping to shine against elite opposition, with Liverpool set to face Borussia Dortmund and their two Manchester rivals on their upcoming tour of the United States.

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Source: anfieldhq.com