Liverpool ‘selection headache’ emerges after what Curtis Jones did v Bournemouth
Liverpool star Curtis Jones has featured for just 99 minutes in the last four matches that he has been fit for.
The 24-year-old has found himself below Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in the pecking order in recent weeks.
He was injured for the victory against Ipswich and the loss to PSV but was again on the bench for the 2-0 win against Bournemouth (1 February).
However, he may have forced his way back into Arne Slot’s starting line-up with his performance in a 29-minute cameo at the Vitality Stadium.
Curtis Jones can star for Liverpool
The Reds passed the first test of a tough month against the in-form Cherries, who had not lost in all competitions since 23 November.
The England international played a key role in the win on Saturday after seeing his role reduced due to a combination of injury and the form of Szoboszlai and Mac Allister.
With the Merseysiders leading one-nil, the homegrown ace was brought on in the 61st minute, to replace Mac Allister, who was fortunate to have not been sent off.
The academy graduate created two chances and notched an assist for Mohamed Salah’s stunning second goal that wrapped up the contest. [Fotmob]
Jones recorded a 94 per cent pass accuracy, misplacing just one of his 18 attempts in an assured display that will have put his manager on notice.
Defensively, he made four recoveries and won all three ground duels that he contested for a 100 per cent success rate.
With league matches against Everton, Wolves, Manchester City and Newcastle and the EFL Cup semi-final second-leg with Tottenham, Slot will need to rotate his midfield to keep his players fresh.
Jones has notched three goals and five assists in his 27 league appearances so far for the Reds in a standout campaign.
He is on course to eclipse his best league tally of four goals and five assists from the 2020/21 season and could cement himself as a key option for Slot in the run-in.
In all competitions for Slot’s side, the Englishmen is the second-highest contributor from midfield with ten goals and assists behind only Szoboszlai (11).
His influence could prove vital as the Reds chase the Premier League and Champions League titles as well as both domestic trophies.
In other Liverpool news, Richard Keys was shocked by a controversial moment in the 2-0 win over Bournemouth.
For more Liverpool news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.