There was plenty to smile about for Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool’s victor over Norwich City on Sunday afternoon. From the way the Reds secured the win to some of the impressive individual performances. This was Liverpool at their very best.
One of the highlights of the game was definitely the way Liverpool’s academy stood out so prominently. Klopp played a plethora of academy graduates, and none of them let him down. In fact, they played a key role in the victory.
From James McConnell getting an assist on his first ever competitive start. Then Conor Bradley getting two assists. And on top of that, Jarell Quansah putting in another brilliant performance. But of course, Curtis Jones played a key role as well, and Jurgen Klopp signalled him out for special praise in particular.
Jurgen Klopp on Curtis Jones
Speaking to ITV after the game, Klopp praised Jones for his performance and the way he helped control the game for Liverpool. He also added how the academy graduate has become a role model for his teammates.
“Curtis is in a great moment for us. He’s super important in different departments for us,” Klopp said.
“He’s a very good player and he’s kind of a role model as well for all our academy guys. Coming up from the academy, all our boys are good footballers, all of them. Otherwise, they would not go through all the different age groups. If Curtis Jones can learn defending, everybody can learn defending! This high press, this intensity, he is setting the rhythm for us.”
Of course aside from Klopp’s facetious remark (which we will miss a lot) he makes an important point. Despite still being only 22-years-old, Jones is very much a role model now, and he has become hugely important to this Liverpool team. After today, he now has seven goal contributions in his last eight starts for the club.
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