I have long been a supporter of Curtis for all the reasons that you cite, but mostly because he's just good on the ball in tight space, which is where we find ourselves against many sides that don't want to sit in a low block and would prefer to engage in the middle third. He's not a flashy passer like Mac or Wirtz and he doesn't show the same energy as Dom, but he's extraordinarily competent and keeping the ball moving (and "extraordinarily competent" sounds like an extremely backhanded compliment.) I think the key for our midfield is the same as the key for our front line if we spend the exorbitant amount of money on Isak: depth. I'm comfortable starting Curtis over Mac or Dom or Wirtz or even Ryan because I know he can do the job. Is he the BEST at doing those jobs? Well, as you point out, when it comes to linkup with Mo... maybe. But for the rest of it, he's really great at being Gini: undersung, but crucial (Watch the game, don't see Ginil; watch Gini, see the game kinda thing.) This is on top of him now being the only Scouser on our team.
I think Curtis will get plenty of games, fitness permitting.
He’s competent in many different positions.
Personally feel he’s best as a box crashing 8 as he’s a very good finisher usually when he gets chances, but MacAllister is a better player than him so he’s not going to be the regular next to Gravenberch.
He will get plenty of games though and has shown he can be elite, and as now the only scouser in the team, he’s an important link to the area and the fan base.
Often wondered how he would fare under Klopp long term, but his versatility and ball retention seem more suited to Slot. I’m almost viewing him as more of a technical Wiljndum.
About 20 starts in all comps. The domino effect of (1) losing Mo for AFCON, (2) a squad w only 1 proven elite forward, and (3) a lot of matches = Dom will play a lot at forward. With reasonable rotation, it looks like Curtis will start around 20 matches as the 5th option in midfield. This also assumes, fingers crossed, that there are no major injuries to the top 8 players at forward/midfield positions ... which would only increase the number. I think Curtis would choose the 20 starts for LFC vs. more for a lesser club.
I have long been a supporter of Curtis for all the reasons that you cite, but mostly because he's just good on the ball in tight space, which is where we find ourselves against many sides that don't want to sit in a low block and would prefer to engage in the middle third. He's not a flashy passer like Mac or Wirtz and he doesn't show the same energy as Dom, but he's extraordinarily competent and keeping the ball moving (and "extraordinarily competent" sounds like an extremely backhanded compliment.) I think the key for our midfield is the same as the key for our front line if we spend the exorbitant amount of money on Isak: depth. I'm comfortable starting Curtis over Mac or Dom or Wirtz or even Ryan because I know he can do the job. Is he the BEST at doing those jobs? Well, as you point out, when it comes to linkup with Mo... maybe. But for the rest of it, he's really great at being Gini: undersung, but crucial (Watch the game, don't see Ginil; watch Gini, see the game kinda thing.) This is on top of him now being the only Scouser on our team.
Wijnaldum is an excellent comparison. Didn't do enough for many, yet sort of did everything.
I think Curtis will get plenty of games, fitness permitting.
He’s competent in many different positions.
Personally feel he’s best as a box crashing 8 as he’s a very good finisher usually when he gets chances, but MacAllister is a better player than him so he’s not going to be the regular next to Gravenberch.
He will get plenty of games though and has shown he can be elite, and as now the only scouser in the team, he’s an important link to the area and the fan base.
Brilliant. Thanks Beez!
You’re welcome!
(To anyone else reading this: Kev requested a Jones article. Anyone is welcome to make a request, no promises!)
Often wondered how he would fare under Klopp long term, but his versatility and ball retention seem more suited to Slot. I’m almost viewing him as more of a technical Wiljndum.
So what do we think, is Jones going to play much this season?
About 20 starts in all comps. The domino effect of (1) losing Mo for AFCON, (2) a squad w only 1 proven elite forward, and (3) a lot of matches = Dom will play a lot at forward. With reasonable rotation, it looks like Curtis will start around 20 matches as the 5th option in midfield. This also assumes, fingers crossed, that there are no major injuries to the top 8 players at forward/midfield positions ... which would only increase the number. I think Curtis would choose the 20 starts for LFC vs. more for a lesser club.
" I think Curtis would choose the 20 starts for LFC vs. more for a lesser club. "
Agreed.
Yes, he will. Such reliable competent players are a blessing for every manager.
Jones also resembles James Milner not only Gini. The latter being my fav player of the Klopp/Buvac era.