Amid Liverpool’s injury issues this term, quietly, young midfielder Curtis Jones has gone from strength to strength.
While the injury to Virgil van Dijk and Diogo Jota’s sparkling form have taken the majority of headlines during the season so far, Jones has made his mark on the first team.
The England Under-21 international has increasingly made himself one of Jurgen Klopp’s key men with a number of impressive outings and has fully grabbed the opportunities handed to him this season.
Having been Liverpool's best player in the weekend draw at Fulham, he was once more key in Wednesday night’s 2-1 win over Tottenham at Anfield.
Roberto Firmino scored the late winner in the battle between the Premier League’s top two, but it was the homegrown star who once more caught the eye with a mature, intelligent display.
His performance earned praise from Match of the Day host Gary Lineker, amongst others, with the former England icon taking to social media to outline his thoughts on Jones.
"What a lovely footballer Curtis Jones is. Gonna be a helluva player."
Another former England striker, Alan Shearer, similarly praised Jones and 19-year-old defender Rhys Williams, after his display alongside Fabinho at the heart of defence.
"We’ve mentioned the two young boys and I’m gonna mention them again, I make no apologies for that,” he declared, speaking on Amazon Prime.
"For two 19-year-olds to come in and perform the way they did, under pressure, with big boots to fill, and they never missed anyone tonight."
Jurgen Klopp similarly made clear his delight with regards Jones.
“Curtis is Curtis. Our boy. Thank God. Imagine you have to sign him!
“He’s already here four years and wants to stay, so that’s a top, top-class player.”
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