Jamie Carragher says the “profile of player” Liverpool will look to sign this summer has been made more interesting by Jurgen Klopp’s tactical “twist” that’s seen Curtis Jones come to the fore in recent games.
Klopp labeled Jones “exceptional” and explained two improvements key to his revitalisation after the midfielder’s brace in the 3-0 win over Leicester on Monday.
And Carragher believes the 22-year-old has now proved he is “more than a squad player”, and at just the right time, with Liverpool linked with a host of midfield additions this summer.
The pundit believes Liverpool’s change of system, along with Jones’ form, will make their summer business particularly interesting, amid reports they’re chasing Chelsea’s Mason Mount and .
Carragher told Sky Sports: “Jurgen Klopp has previously spoken about an overhaul being needed and about getting the team ready for next season. I don’t think he envisaged his side would go on such a good run and they’re still with an outside chance of getting into the top four.
“There was a point after when Liverpool got knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid, and the sense was that they didn’t have much to play for, and so they looked to do something a bit different. It’s not all about Trent going into midfield. The idea wasn’t about just getting Trent into midfield.
“It was a knock-on effect of why Liverpool needed to be better defensively. They’ve now got the five behind the ball with a three in midfield and a two. Jones has been one of the players who this change in system has really helped. We’re seeing the best of him right now.
“He’s been a revelation in this attacking midfield role. When you consider the profile of player Liverpool are looking for right now in terms of midfield. A Mason Mount or an Alexis Mac Allister at Brighton. Whether that happens or not, we don’t know.
“Liverpool are looking to play with two No 10s right now and we see it with Jones’ second goal. I think it’s really interesting in terms of the profile of player Liverpool bring in during the summer. We know they’re going to bring in two or three midfielders.
“When we talk about when Liverpool won the title – Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Fabinho… some of those players are still there, but it was about running and power. What we’re seeing now is the twist and the change that Klopp has mentioned. Jones is a player with confidence. Right now, we’re seeing his breakthrough moment.
“A couple of seasons ago, we saw him being picked in front of more established players and then last season didn’t happen for him due to several reasons including injuries. We’ve had the same for much of this season, but in the last six or seven games, we’ve seen that he can be more than a squad player who can push for the first XI.
“He has a pivotal role to play going forward but he has to be more consistent. He sometimes is over-confident and holds onto the ball too much. He’s a player Liverpool have who suits playing in between the lines which I don’t think a Thiago does if he came back into the team.”
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