Jurgen Klopp has admitted that some ‘crazy’ injuries have been happening to Liverpool’s Curtis Jones this season.
Jones finally made his first appearance of the season in Wednesday night’s win over West Ham. And speaking in his pre-Nottingham Forest press conference via Liverpool FC on YouTube, Klopp addressed the youngster’s struggles this season.
“It [the injuries] cannot stop Curtis’ progress, but yes it was a tough one. Freak injuries actually, finger in the eye and stuff like this, crazy. And this now, nobody knew where it’s coming from, out of the blue stress reaction,” explained the Liverpool boss.
“But it’s perfect to have him back, he’s an exceptional player, exceptional talent. In whichever system we play he can play in different positions, which is very helpful. So, it was very important to get the game time, but you can’t replace football training.
“He didn’t play for the U21s we just brought him in again after a long time and you could see some room for improvement, but that’s normal. Having him back will be very, very helpful for us.”
Jones facing crucial period post-injury
As far back as the start of last season, Jones has been struggling with various issues.
It’s crucially important that the 21-year-old is now able to stay fit and available for selection as much as possible.
Because no matter what Klopp says about his progress not stalling, the truth is that it rather has over the last 12 months.
That comes from a lack of game time, but it’s also evident that he hasn’t necessarily developed as a player. When he plays we’re still seeing the same, slightly hesitant youngster we’ve become used to.
He still holds onto the ball a little too long and doesn’t affect games in the way his talent suggests that he should.
Still, Jones is only twenty-one. The injuries will have frustrated him as he looks to kick on and he’ll surely develop the more he continues to work with Liverpool’s world-class players.
But right now, it’s hard to see just where he fits into Liverpool’s new system. In a 4-3-3, he was reasonably well suited to one of the wider central roles.
He’s not quick enough to play as a proper wide man though, and he’s perhaps not quite solid enough to play in a midfield two. But by the sounds of it, Jurgen has a plan for him. Nice to have you back Curtis, time to properly kick on now.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
