Despite seeing their team exit the FA Cup tonight, some Liverpool fans managed to extract one positive from the 0-2 defeat away to Chelsea, namely the performance of teenage midfielder Curtis Jones.
The 18-year-old maintained his record of starting in every game for the Reds in the competition this season and, while he didn’t complete the full match as he was withdrawn in place of James Milner in the 70th minute, there were some bright aspects to the youngster’s display on a bad night for his team.
Jones completed 32 of his 35 passes for an accuracy rate of 91.4%, the highest of anyone in a red shirt at Stamford Bridge, as well as having a shot on target, playing one key pass, winning one tackle and completing three dribbles. [via WhoScored]
Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo felt that he “showed promise on occasion” against the Blues, while Brendan Hodrien of Rousing The Kop wrote that the youngster “had some really bright moments, showing great control and an eagerness to get on the ball”.
These Reds fans on Twitter also praised the teenager’s performance in defeat against Chelsea, with one fan believing he is “the real deal”:
Embarrassing.
Curtis Jones was the best player until he came off. He has to start on Saturday.
— Dave (@JoeDaveGomez) March 3, 2020
Curtis Jones is brilliant. Can do everything that Lallana can do plus 10 things more.
— Jay (@Jay82_LFC) March 3, 2020
3 off performances but still 22 points clear in the league and everything to play for in the UCL.
Sounds pretty good to me. Not going to lose sleep over tonight's defeat.
Curtis Jones continues to look a great prospect. Some nice touches tonight.#LFC #YNWA
— Gary (@BloodRedGary) March 3, 2020
Curtis Jones is the real deal
— Ray (@RaayMysterio) March 3, 2020
There's no need to sign a Lallana replacement this summer, give Curtis Jones more time – he's brilliant
— GCIIMessi (@GCIIMessi) March 3, 2020
Always want to win every cup we are in, need to get back on it asap. Curtis Jones was a bright spark tonight and a real positive
— Toby Nippard (@tgnippard) March 3, 2020
Do you think Jones was Liverpool’s best player against Chelsea tonight? Have your say by commenting below!