Liverpool may have left Istanbul empty-handed, but Phil Thompson has made it clear that one man deserves praise for his efforts in Tuesday’s defeat to Galatasaray.
Curtis Jones singled out for praise
Speaking on The Reaction podcast via The Official Liverpool FC Podcast, Thompson said: “Can I just say, he was fantastic tonight.
“Absolutely fantastic. He was one of the shining lights, doing so many good things, getting in tough areas, turning in the correct areas, putting in a shift. I thought he was absolutely our best player tonight.”
The Liverpool midfielder’s stats back up the former captain’s verdict.
According to SofaScore, Jones completed 61 of 66 passes (92%), attempted four dribbles with two successful, and won 10 of his 18 ground duels.
He also added three tackles and four accurate long balls in a disciplined 90-minute display, where only Cody Gakpo (7.5) received a higher match rating (7.2).
Jones’ standout moment came just after half-time when he denied Victor Osimhen with a last-ditch challenge that had to be perfectly timed.
The Nigerian striker looked destined to score until the No.17’s intervention.
Jones delivers despite Liverpool setback
It was a night of frustration for the Premier League champions, with Alisson Becker and Hugo Ekitike both forced off injured and the referee’s controversial penalty decision leaving our boss and his players furious.
Yet even amid the disappointment, Jones showed the composure and fight we have long hoped to see consistently in his game.
With Chelsea up next at Stamford Bridge, the 24-year-old has given Arne Slot food for thought in midfield.
Thompson’s words place him firmly in the conversation to retain his place, particularly after Jamie Carragher’s calls for the Dutchman to “go back” to a more physical midfield trio.
Liverpool have Florian Wirtz but the Scouser’s display in Turkey was a timely reminder that competition in the middle of the park is fierce.
Whether the German playmaker is used from the start or not, Jones has shown he can carry responsibility when others fall short.
You can watch Slot’s full post-Galatasaray press conference via Empire of the Kop on YouTube:
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Jones was poor as usual, what does he actually do in midfield. He never scores, he keeps giving the ball away, he can’t tackle, j don’t know what game Phil Thompson was watching. Most of the problems with this Liverpool team is the midfield, which has gone weaker with wirtz. Without the ball Alexis mac allister, Jones, szoboszlai and the rest are not good enough. That’s the truth.
He got highest marks in the team for his performance in today’s Echo, Misty (admittedly in a poor overall team performance).
You really ought to stop taking those downers though. When the wind changes, you get stuck etc…..😠
Do you just have a skeleton text you tweek here and there and then resend ?
It reads like bullying tbh, kid.
Another one who’s lost the plot, Jones fantastic!!! He gave the ball away 5 times at least, this all comes because he is a scouser, if will wanted to see a fantastic display he needs to watch Trey nyoni in the under 19 cl yesterday afternoon. A master class of midfield play, passing tackling, defence splitting passes, ajoynto watch, doing things that Jones can only dream about.
We’ve found Misty’s bro’, everyone !
This one’s almost got a sense of humour😜.
Can’t say I thought Jones was anything other than his usual self. Offered not that much protection to the defence, created nothing and got caught in possession (as usual) almost leading to a goal. Busy yes, fantastic? Hardly.
The lad gives his all and would throw himself in front of train for Liverpool.
There’s reason he plays as does. He does what his gaffer asks of him.
A lesson and an attitude many in the city would do well to copy.