OPINION: No excuses for Curtis Jones’ omission now

With Liverpool enjoying their finest period of success in 30 years, there is little a fan can complain about.

Jurgen Klopp’s tenure so far has seen trophies, exciting football and memorable Anfield moments.

As many doubted his capability to turn Liverpool into a European powerhouse, he has done exactly that and more as fans of the club have fell back in love with the game, as well as turning into believers; much like he said he would do.

One of his most important resolutions in his five-year period has been the integration of Trent Alexander-Arnold into the side.

The West Derby man has become Liverpool’s most important attacking asset and at just 21, he has arguably changed the role of the modern full back.

The trust the German manager has in his younger players can never be questioned, but in my opinion, Curtis Jones has earned a sustained place in the current Liverpool side.

As Alexander-Arnold was thrown into the side due to injury problems for others, Jones has had to fight for his spot, but he has done little but impress in every outing so far this season, whether that be for a few minutes or the full ninety.

As most will remember his season for that winner against Everton at Anfield or his winning penalty in the shoot-out against Arsenal, his overall influence in other games has been instrumental.

A man of the match performance against MK Dons was followed months later with a goal against Shrewsbury.

Even when he surprisingly didn’t start against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, he made a great difference in Liverpool’s comeback, before scoring the winning penalty.

In reasoning for him to be a regular, his style would adapt well to several games in the Premier League season and be vital in supporting the most versatile front three in Europe, especially in a counter-attacking sense.

The potential addition of either Timo Werner or Jadon Sancho in the Summer as well could make for a serious longevity of success for the club, being a young side with experience in dominating.

As seen in his performances for Neil Critchley and Steven Gerrard before that, there is very little attacking-wise he cannot do, with his maturity to find space and the goal his main asset.

There is a reason Klopp has already implemented him into the team more than anybody in the U23 side and despite turning 19 just two months ago, he is already seen as a mature player who has captained several youth sides and became Liverpool’s youngest ever captain just last month.

Oddly though, he has weirdly been kept back. Perhaps because Keita and Minamino have come with more global potential and the Guinean with a large price tag, but when judging them on merit, Curtis Jones has impressed more than his Japanese teammate since his arrival.

Keita especially has failed to sustain any sort of first team action and with his introduction two years ago in the Summer, maybe it is the perfect time for Klopp to look at Jones as that man instead.

Similarly, it looks more likely that Adam Lallana and Xherdan Shaqiri will leave the club in the Summer, which will open the door for more playing time, providing nobody in the midfield area is brought in.

Many reports have linked Todd Cantwell with Liverpool for £30 million in the Summer, but why spend that money when Jones is a lot younger and has a lot greater potential.

The number 48 was effective against Everton on the left hand side and looks like he has the versatility to be effective in any attacking area.

An ever-changing midfield trio of Fabinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Jones and Oxlade-Chamberlain interchanging regularly has everything to push the Reds into a sustained period of domestic and European dominance; flexible enough to adapt to any style of play.

The point of this article isn’t to say Klopp hasn’t invested in him because he has.

However, all the signs are there that he can be a top player right now, especially working next to demanding captain Jordan Henderson and the world class plethora of skill already in the side.

There is no doubt the future of Liverpool is bright. As players like Harvey Elliott, Neco Williams and Ki-Jana Hoever look likely to break into regular first team action in the next couple of seasons, Jones shouldn’t have to wait.

Not even a couple more months. His time is now and he has proven himself amongst the senior players.

With the Premier League all but wrapped up to be landing on Merseyside shortly, a starting place for some of the remaining fixtures is necessary.

No excuses. Curtis Jones has earned his place in his boyhood club’s thriving outlet.

As Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard steered Liverpool for well over a decade, perhaps Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones will do the same in the coming years.

Picture by Kane Brooker under Creative Media Commons License