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Curtis Jones needs a ‘long term’ in Liverpool squad now ‘for the sake of his career’, insists Michael Owen after the youngster’s dazzling performance at Porto saw him appear in FOUR goals
- Curtis Jones played a leading role in Porto’s 5-1 loss to Liverpool
- The youngster had two assists and was part of the preparation for two more goals
- Michael Owen says it’s time “for the sake of his career” for him to become a regular
- Jordan Henderson says 20-year-old Jones has ‘all the attributes’ to be a top player
Michael Owen believes Liverpool youngster Curtis Jones needs a run in the squad “for the sake of his career” after his excellent performance in their Champions League win over Porto.
Liverpudlian, 20, had two assists and was heavily involved in the preparation of two more, as Liverpool raged with a 5-1 victory.
Jones must have been patient early in the season but had his chance starting each of his team’s last three games.
Curtis Jones (L) produced one of his best performances for Liverpool to date in their 5-1 win over Porto
The 20-year-old provided two assists and was heavily involved in the preparation for two more
Former Liverpool striker Owen now believes Jones could be helped in his attempt to play more often with the injuries the Reds are currently facing.
When asked if he could challenge Naby Keita and Thiago for a starting position, Owen replied, “One hundred percent, but you’d say before Harvey Elliott got hurt, it was the man who wore this shirt. He took one or two wounds.
“But as Jordan Henderson mentioned, he’s always played here and there. It is time for his career that he had a long career in the team.
“Maybe the unfortunate situation with a few injuries will help you and when you get the chance you will have to do exactly what he did tonight and have contributed four of the five goals.”
Michael Owen praised Jones after the game but says he needs a ‘long run in the team’
Jones started the game brilliantly and it was his shot that was pushed into Mohamed Salah’s path to put Liverpool ahead.
He then played a role in the preparation for Sadio Mane’s goal before providing a second assist for Salah after winning the ball in midfield and finding it in open space.
Jones then played a long ball to Roberto Firmino who was able to score after a confusion between the keeper and the defender.
After the game captain Jordan Henderson said: “Curtis was fantastic, I know on paper he’s so young, but I feel like he’s been in the first team for a few years.
Jones must have been patient early in the season but has started Liverpool’s last three games
“He’s settled down well, matured well and we’re starting to see how good he is in the last few weeks.
“He must have been a bit patient at the start of the season, but he’s been doing really well and you can see he has all the attributes to be a top player.”
BT expert Peter Crouch said Jones was the ‘catalyst’ for much of Liverpool’s game tonight, while Owen also said the youngster has shown he can be dangerous in advanced positions.
Jones was in the top three in Liverpool’s youth ranks but has mostly played as a midfielder since joining the first team, including against Porto.
Owen said: ‘Steve McManaman has told me a lot lately that Curtis Jones is better in the forward positions and I think that was justified tonight.
“Throughout the youth team played in the advanced positions, always took players scored a lot of goals.
“Didn’t score tonight but took part in four of five goals tonight. Such impressive performances. ‘
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