Jurgen Klopp gave an insight into who he currently sees as being part of Liverpool’s best midfield yesterday.
With Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai asserting themselves as nailed-on starters, there’s still one slot open for Klopp to choose.
Last Saturday, Curtis Jones claimed that spot against Manchester City, in a clear sign that the manager has him down as his number three. But having put in a disappointing performance, Jones looked like he might have ceded his place to the exciting Ryan Gravenberch.
Yesterday’s Europa League game against LASK was therefore a good litmus test of where Klopp’s head is regarding his midfield. With Fulham’s weekend trip to Anfield the priority, and Mac Allister and Szoboszlai rested, whoever Jurgen picked alongside Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott would be seen as the least likely to play on Sunday.
Surprisingly, the boss went with Gravenberch. And although Jones was introduced as a substitute in the 54th minute, you’d think that that would mean the Scouser is in-line to play against Fulham.
Although it’s far from being ‘last chance saloon’ territory, you’d imagine that with Gravenberch breathing down his neck, Jones will have to turn up to keep his place.
Jones’ place in peril
In many ways, this is a good problem for Jurgen Klopp to have. Both Jones and Gravenberch look capable of starting for Liverpool for years to come.
It should also be stressed that Curtis hasn’t necessarily been particularly bad recently – although the City performance wasn’t great.
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Rather, it’s worth simply pointing out that his Dutch counterpart has been more influential than he has so far this season.
We know that Klopp likes Jones, especially for the added defensive solidity he brings. Having perhaps not had to hone that side of his game too much previously, Gravenberch is still getting to grips with when to press and when not to press. As England U21 coach Lee Carsley said told Liverpool ECHO recently, the Reds academy graduate is a ‘powerful’ footballer.
But there surely comes a point where a manager has to put the better performing player in.
For us, that point will come on Sunday if Jones fails to put in a good showing. By this, we don’t mean Curt needs to bag a hat-trick of goals and assists or anything like that. We just mean that the 22-year-old has to show a reason why he’s starting ahead of the in-form Gravenberch.
With a packed fixture list coming up, it’s likely that Klopp will choose to rotate these two, along with the rest of his midfielders anyway.
But if Curtis isn’t at the races on Sunday, then his 21-year-old teammate should be brought in regardless. Go and show why you’re in the team, Curt!