Jones and Elliott have seen plenty of game-time between them this season. Despite being just 22 and 20 respectively, the midfield pair are very much in Jurgen Klopp’s plans.
Both featured last night against LASK; Jones given 35 minutes while Elliott lasted the full 90. And speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Cole praised the two youngsters’ growing influence on the Reds. “Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones are improving,” said the former Liverpool player. “I don’t think people on the outside are seeing the influence they’re having on this team. People in and around them would.
“But you’re losing big names; Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Milner, and the young lads in the squad are now stepping up.”
Cole hails youngsters’ influence Following the exits of the three midfielders Cole mentions, as well as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita, that was always going to be the case this season.
Jones in particular has now become a favourite of the manager. His omission from the starting XI for yesterday’s game only really underlines that point further.
Along with the unused Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, the 22-year-old will now be favourite to start in midfield against Fulham on Sunday. To some, that will be a mistake. With increased time on the pitch for Liverpool comes increased scrutiny. And it’s fair to say that Jones is coming under that microscope now.
Having been selected for last weekend’s enormous trip to the Etihad Stadium, Klopp was sending a clear message to the academy graduate: go out there and make the shirt yours.
By and large, Curtis failed to do that. A sloppy performance against City compounded by the fact that his direct rival for a starting spot – Ryan Gravenberch – had a big impact from the bench. For now, it seems as though Klopp is going to keep putting his faith in Jones though, underlining the influence Cole speaks about.
As for Elliott, he’s genuinely been brilliant this season. Most of his good displays have come as an impact substitute, but his showing against LASK also proved that he can turn it on as a starter, too. He may not be the first name on the teamsheet, but that doesn’t mean Harvey isn’t having an influence. Keep going under the radar, lads.
Joe Cole has claimed that those outside of Liverpool are missing something about Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott.
It’s certainly true that Jones and Elliott now feature much more permanently in Klopp’s plans than they once did.
