After a remarkable 2017/18 season for both the under 18’s and 19’s, at 17 years old, Jones appeared for the U23’s in January 2018, and signed his first professional contract with the club just a month later. Having made a name for himself throughout the academy, he has been training with the first team at Melwood more recently. This experience should teach the young man some things that will be vital to his growth over the next season. As he has shown in preseason, Jones can compete with the best of them, performing consistently well against a whole host of opposition. Portraying his composure on the ball, silky footwork and athleticism throughout these games, he adds ‘depth below the depth’ that Liverpool fans have been crying out for, for years.
With the additions of Keita, Fabinho and even Alexander-Arnold getting a run out in central midfield towards the end of the season, it will be difficult for Jones to make an immediate impact. However, as a squad player with an abundance of room to develop, he is certainly a player for the future.
Expect irregular League, FA Cup and perhaps substitute appearances in the upcoming season as Klopp moulds Jones into the player we all hope he can be. The 17-year-old, having been a part of the academy from U9 level, should be as driven beyond belief to succeed and make a name for himself at the football club. That being said, Curtis Jones has substantial upside regarding his potential and is more likely to achieve this with the support of the fans, players and coaches.
Receiving a frequent mention throughout the Rising Star series will indefinitely be our Manager, Jurgen Klopp. This comes down to the matter of fact, there may not be a better head coach in world football who is as good at man management as Klopp is. His ability to gradually develop and implement self-belief into players, allowing them to perform to their highest potential is unquestionable. As said with Trent Alexander-Arnold, we must keep the faith in Jurgen to aid Jones in his growth to become an outstanding footballer.
The Liverbird 