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Curtis Jones has been a standout performer for Liverpool this season under the guidance of Arne Slot, and the midfielder's new role has led to suggestions that Jurgen Klopp may have misused him
Curtis Jones was named man of the match in Liverpool's 2-1 win over Chelsea(Image: Getty Images)
Curtis Jones' revamped role under Arne Slot at Liverpool has sparked claims that Jurgen Klopp didn't utilise the midfielder to his full potential, despite the ex-boss previously suggesting that Jones had saved the club a hefty sum.
The 23-year-old was instrumental in the Reds' 2-1 triumph over Chelsea on Sunday (October 20), securing the penalty for Mohamed Salah's opener.
He then calmly poked home the decisive goal past Robert Sanchez just three minutes after Nicolas Jackson had equalised in the second half.
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Jones' standout performance, which could have resulted in another first-half penalty if it weren't for VAR reversing the on-field decision, earned him the man of the match award as Liverpool jumped ahead of Manchester City to regain their position at the top of the Premier League table.
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After battling with injury earlier in the season, the midfielder has carved out a place for himself in Slot's midfield, albeit in a slightly altered role than the one he held under Klopp.
In his new role, Jones is given more creative freedom, and according to Micah Richards – who discussed the Englishman's exceptional display against Chelsea on The Rest is Football podcast – former Reds striker Daniel Sturridge feels Klopp didn't manage to maximise the midfielder's abilities due to not playing to his strengths.
Richards said (via the Mirror): "I was asking Daniel [Sturridge] how good he is or can be, and he said that he's always had that technical ability and confidence, he sort of said he thought Klopp used him more just as a worker and a runner to press, so you didn't really get to see the quality he has on the ball.
But today he showed exactly the player he is, I thought he was outstanding."
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool celebrates their sides victory with Curtis Jones of Liverpool after the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium on May 17, 2022 in Southampton, England.
(Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)(Image: (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images))
Klopp handed Jones his professional debut in 2019 and was a key figure in the rapid ascent of young talent at Liverpool.
Having stemmed from the academy, Klopp indicated Jones had saved the club a significant amount of money, especially thanks to his growth last season alongside another young star, Harvey Elliott.
"How the boys developed, how Curtis developed, how Harvey developed, so many things through that difficult period," Klopp reflected back in March.
That has helped to ease the disappointment of missing out on prime summer transfer target Martin Zubimendi, who opted to remain with Real Sociedad despite Liverpool meeting his release clause.
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A Champions League clash against RB Leipzig awaits on Wednesday, before another tantalising domestic contest follows for Liverpool on Sunday (October 27) as they take on title rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta will be forced to field a team without William Saliba after the central defender was sent off in the Gunners' 2-0 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday.
For more news relating to Arsenal, visit our sister site AFC Latest Live.
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