Jurgen Klopp has explained the two improvements key to Curtis Jones’ “exceptional” form for Liverpool, after the midfielder scored two brilliant goals in the 3-0 win over Leicester.
Jones has started Liverpool’s last nine Premier League games having claimed just one start before that this season due to a mixture of injury and poor form.
The 22-year-old’s second goal at the King Power Stadium on Monday was spectacular as he controlled the ball swiveled and smashed it into the far corner, and Klopp is delighted the midfielder is in “a good moment” at the end of a difficult season, explaining the keys to his revitalisation.
The Liverpool manager said: “He improved a lot, so I think a lot of things came together. You should not forget he is still a young boy and one or two years ago he played super games for us as well. Then he had a difficult spell with injuries, that’s true – strange injuries, a finger in the eye and stuff like this. It took him out for a real while, but this year was especially bad.
“He could watch a lot of football, he could understand the game better and it looks really like that. I think where he improved the most is counter-pressing, it’s exceptional, and speed of play. He doesn’t keep the ball that long anymore – he does that, and has to do in moments, but he is much quicker in decision-making and stuff like this.
“That he is a good finisher, we saw now a couple of times, both goals were absolutely exceptional. I am not sure they were real chances. First with the left foot, a similar goal to the last goal he scored [against Tottenham]. The second one is a super finish. He is in a good moment, really cool.”
The means Liverpool are now just one point behind both Manchester United and Newcastle, albeit having played a game more, and Klopp says his side “have to be there” if their rivals slip up.
On their Champions League rivals, : “I think they’d have preferred we lose tonight. I would in their shoes. I don’t think it’s likely but if they slip, we have to be there. Will they slip? I don’t know. Will we win both games? I don’t know.”
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