Curtis Jones needs a ‘long run’ in the Liverpool team now ‘for the sake of his career’, insists Michael Owen after youngster’s dazzling display in Porto saw him have a hand in FOUR goals
- Curtis Jones played a starring role in Liverpool’s 5-1 thrashing of Porto
- The youngster had two assists and was part of the build-up for two other goals
- Michael Owen says it’s time ‘for the sake of his career’ for him to now be a regular
- Jordan Henderson said Jones, 20, has ‘all the attributes’ to be a top player
Michael Owen believes Liverpool youngster Curtis Jones needs a run in the side ‘for the sake of his career’ after his excellent display in their Champions League victory over Porto.
The 20-year-old Liverpudlian bagged two assists and was heavily involved in the build up for two others, as Liverpool ran rampant with a 5-1 victory.
Jones had to be patient at the start of the season but has got his chance by starting each of his team’s last three games.
Curtis Jones (L) produced one of his best displays for Liverpool yet in their 5-1 win over Porto
The 20-year-old provided two assists and was heavily involved in the build-up for two others
Former Liverpool striker Owen now believes Jones could be helped in his bid to play more often with the injuries the Reds currently have to contend with.
When asked if he could challenge the likes of Naby Keita and Thiago for a starting position, Owen responded: ‘A hundred percent but you’d say before Harvey Elliott got injured he was the man wearing that shirt. It’s taken one or two injuries.
‘But as Jordan Henderson mentioned he’s always been in and around played here and there. It’s about time for his sake of his career that he has a long run in the team.
‘Maybe the unfortunate situation with a couple of injuries is going to help along that way and when you get that chance you’ve got to do exactly what he did tonight and had a hand in four of the five goals.’
Michael Owen praised Jones after the match but says he needs ‘a long run in the team’
Jones started the match brightly and it was his shot was pushed into the path of Mohamed Salah to give Liverpool the lead.
He then played a part in the build-up to Sadio Mane’s goal before he provided Salah a second assist after winning the ball in midfield and finding him in open space.
Jones later played a long ball to Roberto Firmino who was able to score after a mix up between the goalkeeper and defender.
After the match captain Jordan Henderson said: ‘Curtis has been fantastic I know on paper he’s so young but I feel he’s been around the first team for a few years.
Jones had to be patient at the start of the season but has started Liverpool’s last three games
‘He’s settled in well, matured well and we’re starting to see what a good player he is over the last few weeks.
‘He had to be a little bit patient at the start of the season but he’s come in done fantastically well and you can see he’s got all the attributes to be a top player.’
BT pundit Peter Crouch said Jones was the ‘catalyst’ for much of Liverpool’s play tonight while Owen also said the youngster showed he can be dangerous in forward positions.
Jones played as part of a front three in Liverpool’s youth ranks but has predominantly played as a midfielder since breaking into the first team, including against Porto.
Owen said: ‘Steve McManaman has been mentioning him to me quite a lot in recent times that Curtis Jones is better in forward positions and I think that was vindicated tonight.
‘Throughout the youth team played in the forward positions, always took on players scored a lot of goals.
‘Hasn’t scored tonight but has had a hand in four of the five goals tonight. So impressive performance.’
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