Liverpool journalist for The Athletic, Simon Hughes, has named Curtis Jones as the player who stood out most to him down the years from the club’s prestigious academy.
Whilst the senior side struggle to recapture their best form of previous seasons, both the Under 18s and Under 23s have been providing a beacon of hope in an otherwise bleak 2020/21 campaign.
Having sealed a place in the FA Youth Cup semi-final where they will face Ipswich Town, Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s U18 side have been a scintillating watch this term.
Many of the starlets will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher into the senior team at Anfield.
Speaking on this week’s Red Agenda podcast, as highlighted by James Pearce on Twitter, Hughes named Jones as the prospect he has been most awestruck by.
Twitter: Latest episode of the Red Agenda with @stevehothersall @Simon_Hughes__ @CaoimheSport and myself. #LFC
https://t.co/mmVjDDrrnc (@JamesPearceLFC)
The one player that jumped out at me straight away was Curtis Jones. He’s got that little bit of spark and edge. I thought he’s got a great chance if he knuckles down and takes the right advice.
Jones has gone on to prove Hughes to be spot on thus far in his fledgeling career, the Scouser coming up with big moments already in just 44 first-team appearances.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
The attacking midfielder has certainly exuded confidence during his progression through the youth ranks, making an early mark on a Merseyside derby with a stunning long-range strike was a sure sign of the ‘spark’ Hughes referred to.
Although a recent calf injury has withheld the creative midfielder’s development, the injuries within Jurgen Klopp’s squad this term perhaps afforded Jones enhanced exposure to senior football.
Despite only turning 20 in January, the England Under 21 international has played 31 times for the Reds this season, scoring on four occasions.
