‘Hardly’: Michael Owen claims Klopp has barely played Liverpool man in his best position for years now

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Michael Owen was pleased to see Liverpool gem Curtis Jones given the opportunity to play in his natural position on the left wing against Napoli.

That’s what the former Reds striker said on BT Sport, after a 2-0 win at Anfield saw the 21-year-old play 73 minutes from the starting XI on the wide flank.

Having suffered from an unusual bone injury for the majority of the season, the youngster has only recently returned to full fitness.

Since coming on as a substitute for the last half-an-hour against West Ham, Jones has featured in every single game – twice in the starting XI and three times as a substitute.

Under Jurgen Klopp last season and for the most part this term, the U21 England international has been utilised as a central midfielder. The Merseyside squad have been particularly stacked in the winger department in recent times, with a lack of options available in the middle of the park.

However, with concurrent injuries to Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota, Jones started on the left flank against Napoli, where he put in a strong performance.

Speaking on BT Sport after the game, Owen spoke of his pleasure to see the youngster back playing in his most natural position. He said: “That has always been his position [on the wing].

“Because Liverpool have always been so strong in those three positions over the last five years or whatever, he has hardly got a look in the position he has grown up with.

“And he has been shuffled back into the midfield, so it was nice to see him in a more advanced role.”

Owen pleased to see Jones playing on the wing

When looking at Jones’ underlying statistics, it is easy to see how the player’s profile would more likely match up with someone playing on the wing, rather than somebody playing as a central midfielder.

Over the past year, the Englishman has ranked in the top three percent for the number of dribbles he has completed, also ranking in the top six percent for shots taken per game (via FBRef).

With a strong desire to directly dribble towards defenders with pace, it is clear to see the 21-year-old derives from a more attacking background.

Consequently, in Diaz and Jota’s absence, the youngster should be given the chance to play further up the pitch, with his creative skillset a better match going forward, compared to playing a more varied role in the middle of the park.

He will have to make a strong impression in a relatively short period of time, however, as when Klopp’s other options return from injury, they could very easily slot back in his favoured XI.

With a lack of attacking options in the midfield, the Reds could still seek to use Jones in the middle of the pitch. But as recent times have demonstrated, it really isn’t his best position at all – as he is far more suited to attacking in the final third.