Curtis Jones has been named in the latest England Under-21 squad and based on his performances at Anfield this season, the call-up is deserved.
Throughout Liverpool's turbulent campaign, the Scouse midfielder has battled through the storm while also showcasing his unique qualities in comparison to his teammates and beyond.
It should be no surprise that England have noticed his valuable skills, because he does things differently to many of his peers when in possession of the ball; his dynamic and proactive traits are clear for all to see.
The academy graduate has now accumulated over 1,000 minutes in England's top-flight, which allows for a general comparison to be made with his peers across a number of departments.
The energy and liveliness attached to his game has been best represented by his tendency to assume possession before driving forwards and carrying his teammates with him, almost in the mould of a certain Steven Gerrard.
Below, Jones has been ranked for progressive carries per 90 minutes alongside other central midfielders who have breached the 1,000 minute-mark this season.
For context, the metric covers carries that move the ball towards the opponent's goal at least five yards, or any carry into the penalty box, and it excludes carries from the defending 40% of the pitch.
As shown, the youngster is flirting with outlier status as he separates himself from the pack in second place, contesting with the likes of Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic to name but a few.
Jones' tendency to show for the ball before using it aggressively has treated him well since the form of the Reds deteriorated towards the end of the Christmas period.
At a time when Liverpool have dominated without their usual degree of cutting edge at the business end of the field, Jones has offered something different in possession by adding a degree of unpredictability.
He isn't yet known at the highest level; despite recognising the familiar intricacies of Jurgen Klopp's 4-3-3, opponents don't yet know much about what to expect from Jones when he receives a pass around the centre of the park.
That has benefited him significantly, as rather than simply playing short when all eyes are on him, he's instead showcased his quality as a forceful carrier of the ball and useful offensive tool.
In fact, he's offered much of what injury-plagued Naby Keita has been unable to demonstrate on a regular basis since moving from Germany because of his unfortunate absences.
The Guinean was a very unique player when Liverpool targeted him. The club's recruitment team spotted an unorthodox midfielder who was equally as effective with possession and he was without it, while also being a product of modern pressing in his ways of evading pressure.
Jones appears comparable across many different areas and right now, his uniqueness is being recognised on an international level hence his U21 selection.
Whisper it, but it shouldn't be too long before he's justifiably called up and competing for places in Gareth Southgate's senior team alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson.
