Curtis Jones believes that a spot in Liverpool s first team might now become available.
Jones has been playing excellently lately, solidifying his spot in Jurgen Klopp’s starting lineup for Liverpool at the moment. Alan Shearer claims that the 22-year-old is currently playing the best football of his career.
Jones’ ascent is evidence of the efforts made to develop young players and give them an opportunity in the Liverpool senior squad. Harvey Elliott is another one of those.
And Jones asserted yesterday, in an interview with Elliott for liverpoolfc.com. That his younger teammate might now be primed for a rise within the squad.
“I think I saw [Jamie] Carragher saying about him being a super-sub,” the Scouser commented. “That’s good and Harvey has influenced games off the bench, but he is one of those that the more he plays, the better he becomes, whether that’s starting or off the bench.
“In his mind now, the more starts he gets, the better he will play. Mo [Salah] has gone as well [to the Africa Cup of Nations], so the right-hand side of Liverpool has opened up even more for him. Now he’s able to play as a half-space No.8 or off the right, he can play on the left, he can play as a No.10. He’s a gifted lad and he’s shown that definitely.”
Elliott is prepared for his Liverpool chance
It’s not like Elliott hasn’t had a sniff this season, as Jones implies. Only Mohamed Salah (27), Darwin Nunez (29) and the young player (26), have made more appearances overall (all competitions totaling 26).
But out of those games, only two have involved Premier League starts.
With Salah now going though – and injuries tearing through the squad – Liverpool s No.19 should get his chance.
A start on Sunday at the Emirates was the first indication of that. Elliott started the match in Salah’s preferred wide left position, but in the second half, he demonstrated his versatility by moving into midfield.
Being able to play multiple positions is very beneficial for a team that is currently extremely thin.
Harvey will therefore have his chances over the coming weeks. The onus is on him to demonstrate his worth by obtaining additional opportunities once everyone is back in the game.
