Pundit feels fringe role could push Liverpool man away, as exit would do him ‘no harm’
Paul Merson doesn’t think Curtis Jones will “play every week next season” at Liverpool but he could get a “good move” to the likes of Aston Villa.
Jones has done well to break into Liverpool’s first team at such a young age. The midfielder is 22, and has already played senior football for the Reds on 91 occasions.
That’s seen him score eight goals and provide 11 assists. He’s not made himself a mainstay of the side since becoming a senior player, though.
His first proper season in the first team saw him play 24 Premier League games. Last season, he played 15 games in the league and so far this season, he’s featured in 12 games.
An injury has hindered his progress this term. It might have been a good campaign for him to have shown what he can properly do, with the Reds slipping below their usual standards.
Indeed, the midfield has come under fire quite a bit. It’s little wonder they’ve been identified as a weak area – Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Thiago Alcantara are all north of 30, and Fabinho will reach that milestone soon, and that has shown.
Youngster Stefan Bajcetic has been a shining light and Jones could have shown similar growth.
As things stand, he’s one of the fringe players, though he does have years ahead of him where he could be a Liverpool star.
Merson touts Curtis Jones for move away
Former top-flight footballer Merson has praised Jones, feeling he goes under the radar a lot.
“I quite like Curtis Jones,” he said on Sky Sports News.
“He’s not a name, is he – that’s why he divides opinion. He’s not a 60 or £70million player.
“I like him. I think he does a good job. He doesn’t let you down. But he’s not a superstar, so people pick him out. I think he’s a good player.”
While Merson feels Jones is a useful asset, he also believes there’s a chance a career at Liverpool doesn’t bear fruit.
“If he doesn’t get on at Liverpool, then I don’t think he is doing any harm for himself to get a good move to someone in the summer like Aston Villa or somewhere like that,” Merson added.
“He never lets you down. He can play. Get forward and defend as well. But he will divide opinion because he’s not an £80million player. He comes through the ranks. Will he play every week next season? I wouldn’t think so.”
Jones can make a career at Liverpool
As Merson touched upon, Jones is a good asset to have. He’s not currently one of the better players in the Liverpool squad, but he’s certainly not a bad player.
What’s more, at just 22 years of age, he’s got time on his side. That he’s broken through at such a young age gives him an advantage and a maturity which will stand him in good stead.
If there is a changing of the guard at Anfield and the youngsters are given ample opportunities in the side, he could grab his with both hands and become a key player.
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