Liverpool’s midfield situation continues to invited the scratching of chins as the start of the 2023/24 campaign draws ever closer.
The club can hardly be faulted for its pace in securing two brand new additions in the form of £35m Alexis Mac Allister and £60.4m Dominik Szoboszlai, though the general consensus seems to be that a third must be brought in.
Where that leaves the likes of young stars Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Stefan Bajcetic remains to be seen, though there’s certainly an argument to be made that the former of the trio should be allowed to hold onto his place in the starting-XI judging by his recent performances.
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The Englishman (valued at £15.7m, according to Football Transfers’ unique valuation system) was the deserved recipient of back-to-back man of the match awards for England U21s’ Euros-winning outfit, securing both accolades in the semi-final and final of the competition.
Following on from a highly impressive finish to the prior domestic season, in which he firmly held down the left central midfield role, it’s hard to imagine Jurgen Klopp thrusting new signing Mac Allister straight into the starting lineup.
We should emphasise that it wouldn’t necessarily be outrageous provided that the former Brighton man enjoyed a solid pre-season – and we certainly shouldn’t forget his own rather remarkable contributions for club and country recently – though it very much feels like Jones’ position to lose as things currently stand.
If the Academy graduate can carry his stunning form into the next term too, we’d be more than excited to see what 2023/24 has to offer for the 22-year-old.
#Ep79 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: Dominik Szoboszlai – a mix of De Bruyne/Gerrard/Zidane?
Bullshit!! How many more times do I have to say Jones is not good enough for a starting place, and I don’t think for the bench. Championship at best.
Your appraisal of Curtis Jones is just plain wrong – the coming season will prove this!
I agree.
MoM in the semi final and final of the U21s, team of the tournament… not good enough for the bench?
Not good enough to start for half of the teams in the PREM? Scored 3 and 1 assist in 12 appearances, as an 8? Mount got 3 goals and 2 assists in 20 appearances. Joelinton (starter for Newcastle a CL team) 2 goals and 1 assist when playing in midfield (19 appearances).
Mate you don’t know football. Playing 8, most PREM teams would want him and he would be competing for a starting position.
Assuming he’s fit, MacAllister will start but Jones has been superb for the last 4-5 months and if he stays fit, we’ll be lucky to have him.
He’s been struggling with an ongoing injury for 18 months, which is now being managed, so he’s lost that time and hasn’t developed, but if you remember Curtis 18 months ago, we have one hell of a talent on our hands.
WELL SAID
Give the youngster a chance can you play like him no?
Thank you I play football in the when in the army Not very good but I gave my best.