JURGEN KLOPP LANDS RYAN GRAVENBERCH AS CURTIS JONES REACTS TO LIVERPOOL SIGNINGS
Curtis Jones believes he has a better chance of breaking into the Liverpool team now that Jurgen Klopp has signed Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis MacAllister, and Dominik Szoboszlai.
After last season’s flaws were identified, the Reds decided to update their engine room in the summer transfer market. However, the unexpected exits of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to the Saudi Pro League led Liverpool to sign more players than intended.
Anfield chiefs knew they would have to invest in Klopp’s midfield after allowing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Naby Keita to leave as a free agent. Leighton Clarkson also agreed to a permanent transfer to Aberdeen, while RB Leipzig hired Fabio Carvalho on loan.
Liverpool needed to add several midfielders to their squad.
Klopp had relied heavily on some of players who left Liverpool in the Premier League previous season. Fabinho appeared in 36 of their games, Henderson appeared in 35, and Milner appeared in 31. Fabinho and Henderson played the most minutes of any midfielder.
Due to Thiago Alcantara’s several injuries throughout the season, Jones appeared in 18 Premier League games for Liverpool. The 22-year-old also scored three times, the most by a Reds center midfielder. He had a good finish to the season after forcing his way in.
However, Klopp dashed Jones’ chances of maintaining his position by signing Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion for £55 million and Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig for £60 million. Jones was injured after playing the final 24 minutes of their opening-day draw with Chelsea.
Jones missed Liverpool’s victories over AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United due to the injury. Now, he has an uphill battle to re-enter Klopp’s lineup after Gravenberch joined from Bayern Munich on deadline day for £34.5 million. The Dutchman also agreed to a five-year contract.
Curtis Jones believes he can keep Ryan Gravenberch out of the starting lineup.
Despite Liverpool’s midfield arrivals this summer, Jones believes he can re-establish himself in Klopp’s squad. The ex-England U21 international, who views himself as a No8, believes the Reds’ raft of departures has enhanced his prospects of playing frequently.
“Things can always change,” he explained to The Telegraph. “However, I believe there is a larger gap [in the team] and I support myself.” I could compete against anyone – five lads, ten lads – and I’d be thinking the same thing.
“I train with them all the time, I watch them play, and I know what they’re capable of.” But I know how much I have to contribute, and there is still time. I must be theI am the finest in my current position. I have to show to myself all the time that I am good enough to keep my shirt.”
