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The Liverpool captain is pleased with the development that Curtis Jones has shown this year, and hopes to see even more in the future.
With four matches yet to play, and having won the league three matches ago, there’s not much left for these Reds to play for. Well, that’s not entirely true. There are a few things to play for. In no particular order:
- Break the points total record.
- Set the record of a perfect home record in the league.
- Prepare for next season.
- Operation Get Mo the Golden Boot (AKA Operation Stop Vardy, Seriously Fuck that Guy).
- Win Alisson Becker the Golden Gloves.
- Get the yutes their medals.
On the last point, there are three youth players that are just shy of the 5 appearances that are necessary to take home a Premier League winners medal. Harvey Elliott has 2 appearances. Curtis Jones has 3. And Neco Williams has 4.
It might be a bridge (or appearance) too far for Elliott, but Jones and Williams should get their medals. Both players made some huge strides over the course of the season. Williams seemingly came out of nowhere to become a backup option for the vital—and overworked—fullbacks.
And of course Curtis Jones, a native Scouser, holds a special place in our hearts. Captain Jordan Henderson spoke up the academy product in today’s match program.
“[Curtis] wants to be better every day,” Hendo explained. “And not just with a ball at his feet. In every aspect of being a professional.
“It’s so pleasing to see how he’s grown and developed and sometimes I have to remind myself how young he is, because he has the physical attributes of a much more experienced player.
“When he scored his goal against Aston Villa you could see immediately how chuffed the other boys were and that’s because we all recognize the strides he’s made to get to this point.
“But the crucial thing now is that he continues doing exactly what he’s done to get here. If he keeps that attitude of making sure improvement and learning is his number one focus, he really can achieve anything he wants.
“The fact he’s a local lad as well only adds to it. I know the feeling of representing the club you grew up supporting and how special that feels.”
This is high praise from the captain. Indeed, Jones has taken huge strides this campaign. There are the memorable moments: his winning penalty against Arsenal in the League Cup, his winning goal against Everton in the FA Cup, captaining the side against Shrewsbury Town, and lastly, his goal against Aston Villa to secure the win in the league.
However, Henderson has been privy to the work that goes on behind the scenes, the work that will never be seen or celebrated or played endlessly on a loop on YouTube by the fans. But it is precisely this work that has given Jones the tools to develop to this point.
Hopefully there is much more to come from Curtis. But first, let’s get him two more appearances, Kloppo.
