Ian Wright has hailed the development of Curtis Jones and says that it is a triumph of the youth program of Liverpool.
It is just over 12 months that the 19 year-old made his Premier League debut as a late substitute against Bournemouth at the Vitality stadium.
As he has done with many players, Jurgen Klopp has guided his progress steadily, not wanting to put too much pressure on the academy graduate.
But unlike some managers who give prospects a taste of the action and then forget they exist, Klopp constantly put Jones a match day squad and he was a prominent figure after the season re-start in June, so much so that he won a Premier League title medal.
That experience of being part of a winning squad has seen the midfielder reach new heights during this campaign already surpassing last years tally of appearances with 15 and scoring as many goals (three).
Arguably his best performance came in the top of the table clash against an in-form Tottenham at Anfield on Wednesday.
His composure in possession and general game awareness in someone who is in the early stages of their senior career is certainly eye-catching.
The Arsenal legend was glowing in his analysis as the Echo reported:
“You look at him and I watched him in a massive game for Liverpool and he just looks like he fits there now.
“For Curtis Jones, it looks like he has really solidified the place.
“Some of the skills he was doing, it just shows how confident and ready he is.
"You have to say it’s testament to Klopp and his team for the way they’ve put him through. It’s brilliant management."
In his post Footballing career, Wright has made his name as one of the pre-eminent Football pundits and contrasted the senior journey of Jones to his contemporary at Man City in Phil Foden.
Foden was seen as the ready made replacement for the much loved David Silva, but City Fans have grown in frustration for the inconsistent way that Pep Guardiola has looked to use him this season.
“You have to look at the comparison,. “We’re still waiting for someone like Phil Foden to get a proper run and start to impose himself on the team in the way we thought was going to happen when David Silva went.”
Not only have Liverpool fans seen their team conquer all challenges over the past few years, they are seeing the next generation of stars grow right before their eyes.
And that is the best of both worlds.
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