Curtis Jones did not have the best 2025/26 season and struggled to cement a regular place in Liverpool’s midfield, but he may actually be somewhat underrated after comparing him to a Reds summer target
Jones’ future is uncertain amid his contract running out in 2027 and links to the likes of Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur.
Liverpool are expected to improve their midfield this summer, and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes is being linked again this week, but his passing statistics are actually, barring crossing, worse than Jones’ last season.
What should Liverpool do with Curtis Jones? His contract expires in 2027 ❌
Curtis Jones’ passing may actually be better than Joao Gomes
Jamie Carragher criticised Jones last term for holding on to the ball too long.
Speaking in February, he said: “16 seconds into the game now, yes, you might say he’s a slow starter, but when Curtis Jones is making mistakes in midfield, it’s very similar to that. So, it’s not a new thing with Curtis Jones. He takes too long on the ball.
“I don’t think he’ll ever get that out of his game. He needs to be a lot quicker and a lot sharper and that’s always been his biggest problem.”
Granted, Jones does sometimes hold on to the ball too long, but his passing may actually be somewhat underrated.
Gomes is a quality player, and if he does move, he may be a good addition to Liverpool’s midfield for other reasons.
But when comparing the two players’ passing stats in the Premier League during 2025/26, Jones came out on top in every area apart from crossing:
| Stats | Joao Gomes | Curtis Jones |
| Assists | 1 | 2 |
| Expected Assists (xA) | 2.08 | 2.79 |
| Successful passes | 1,245 | 1,509 |
| Successful passes % | 85.6% | 91.6% |
| Accurate long balls | 39 | 62 |
| Accurate long balls % | 54.2% | 68.1% |
| Chances created | 16 | 21 |
| Big chances created | 2 | 4 |
| Successful crosses | 11 | 1 |
| Successful crosses % | 34.4% | 6.7% |
That is not to say Gomes can’t be a useful addition in a position where Liverpool are lacking serious depth.
However, fans probably should not expect the Wolves star to come in and outperform Jones in the passing department.
Gomes has other qualities, such as his work rate and defensive capabilities.
But if supporters are looking for a midfielder who can come in and dictate play in the centre of the park, it doesn’t appear as though their latest target is better than the Englishman.
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