It has long been a question of when and not whether Curtis Jones should take the step into Liverpool’s freshman. The scouser came up from the academy as a great talent four years ago, but last year there was limited playing time for the young boy, who has now reached the age of 21.
Although he has shone with his class, including against Porto in the autumn of last year, Jones himself believes that this season is especially important for his own part. The season ended with 15 games in the Premier League and four games in the Champions League, plus appearances in the English Cups.
– I am ready, and feel that I have something to prove (this season). Last season there was a lot of ups and downs. I had games where I played well, with goals and goalscorers, but then I got injured and got covid right after. Now I’m ready, and I feel like I have something to prove, says the youngster to Liverpoolfc.com.
Planning a new season in red
Earlier this summer, there were some rumors that Jones could end up on a loan this season, after Harvey Elliott has disappeared in front of him in the queue. There has also been a discussion topic about which position is the scouser’s best. A loan does not seem to be in the plans of the 21-year-old.
– The goal for the season will naturally be to win more trophies. Ever since I have been part of this team, we have played in semifinals, finals and so on. Last year we finished at four, and I hope it happens again.
– On a personal level, it will be to make a full impact on the first team, take the chances I get and keep a starting place, says the youngster.
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BRILLIANT: Curtis Jones delivered three goalscorers in the 5-1 win over Porto last fall. Then the scouser played centrally in midfield.
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Worked hard on vacation
During the holidays, Curtis Jones chose to travel to the United States, and more specifically Los Angeles. Although the scooter really wanted to go on holiday to relax from football, he was unable to do so. Many of the days in California were spent on the football field, to be extra ready for a new season.
– Ever since I was a young boy, I have always had a ball in my legs. When you are on holiday and trying to turn it off, it quickly gets boring, and then I end up on the football field again. This is what a holiday looks like for me, says the 21-year-old.
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Now Jones is in another continent, and more specifically Thailand. There have been loud calls for a new midfielder this season, but Jürgen Klopp is determined that he is happy with the players he currently has. It could open the doors for the scouser, who needs to start delivering regularly this season.
– There is of course a competition for places within the team, but it is a friendly tone. It is not the case that “Now he plays and I do not play so then I distance myself from him”. I look at them as teammates and we young people help each other at the same time as Henderson and Thiago help us again, says Jones about the midfield war.
Starts with rival settlement
Tomorrow, Jones and Liverpool’s first challenge this season awaits. On the opposite half of the field is Manchester United, a team the Reds beat 4-0 and 5-0 last season. The scout could not have dreamed of a better opening match, in front of a packed stadium in Bangkok.
– It’s perfect to start against them. We’ll go out there to play a final, not a training match. It is an important match for the fans and the rivalry so we will give everything to give the supporters a good match, the young boy concludes.
Liverpool meet Manchester United on Tuesday at 15.00. The match will be broadcast on V Sport 1.
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