Curtis Jones On Growing Leadership Role
The young midfielder spoke about his growing influence on and off the pitch.
Liverpool’s midfield has appropriately taken center stage among fan talking points when reflecting on the High Flying Reds. A department in the team that, at parts during the off-season, seemed to carry more question marks than actual players has suddenly become the deepest and most reliable unit in the entire squad.
Chief among the players responsible is the other Scouser on the team, Curtis Jones. Entering the season, Jones seemed to be a bit behind in the depth chart even though the midfield unit consisted of new additions. A disappointing year previously can do that to the most promising of players and unfortunately Jones found himself in the unenviable position of needing to find ways to show to everyone that he was still a good bet to come good on the potential that made Klopp and Co. decide to move him up to the first team.
Following a successful run with the England U21s in the U21 Euros, leading the Young Lions to the trophy with stellar performances in the midfield, there was certainly an inkling that Curtis might be making a leap in quality. The times he’s featured this year, though, leave that in no doubt.
Only 22, it’s a bit of a shock to think but he is a bit of an elder statesman in the club and, certainly, in the midfield unit. As part of an appearance on the Club’s official podcast, Jones had some thoughts on just that.
“There has been a huge change in the team and I’m one of the ones who has been here – it’s mad to say, I’m only 22 – but I’ve been here [since] 17. There’s lads who are coming in now and it’s their first time around the team, so I’m like an experienced one who has been around the whole of the thing for a long time. So, yeah, even though I’m young I do feel like I’m one of the experienced ones and know how the manager and staff like [us] to go and play.”
In a team full of leaders, it’s nice to see more of the young lads continue to develop those skillsets of their own. It is no small dream that perhaps with fellow Scouser Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jones can be part of another all-Scouse Captain-Vice Captain duo.
Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com
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