Curtis Jones: Style of play, stats, international caps, Liverpool breakthrough, odds & more

Appearing to improve with every passing game at present, Curtis Jones is fast developing into an integral member of Arne Slot's Liverpool squad.

The 23-year-old midfielder struggled to find a place in the starting XI in his earlier years, partly down to the experience and know-how of Liverpool midfielders already present in the squad.

In recent times, however, he has showed a maturity to his game and is starting to shine under the guidance of Slot.

We examine Jones’ development at Liverpool, his current role in the side and more in the latest instalment of In Focus.

Curtis Jones age, nationality & background

Aged 23, Curtis Jones was born on 30th January 2001 in Liverpool.

Attributes

Height and build

Jones is 6ft 1ins and has a lean and athletic build.

Preferred foot

Jones is naturally right-footed but is competent using his left, with his 'weaker foot' certainly not hindering his game.

Style of play

At 6ft 1ins, Jones is tall in stature for a midfielder who is both technically excellent and physically unrelenting.

A terrific dribbler with silky close control, Jones is adept at getting out of tight areas on the pitch and taking players on.

He is also a tenacious operator, something he has harnessed to maximise his value within former Liverpool manager Klopp’s preferred ‘heavy metal’ style of football which revolved around counter-pressing.

The arrival of the Dutchman, Arne Slot, has brought to the surface different strengths to Jones' game. He has the ability to retain possession of the ball, even under high pressure, meaning he rarely loses possession, which proves highly beneficial to Slot's controlled style of play.

The Liverpudlian's ability to adapt when asked to play different roles is admirable. Earlier on in his career, he often took up a more advanced role, occasionally playing off the left of a front three.

However, at the end of Klopp's tenure and the start of Slot's reign, he has flourished in a deeper role, predominantly playing as one of the two midfielders in a double pivot.

At just 23 years of age, expect Liverpool's midfielder to maximise his potential and solidify a spot in that Liverpool XI.

Curtis Jones odds

PFA Player of the Year

Premier League

UEFA Champions League

(Odds will display when markets are available).

Curtis Jones stats

Metric	Total (per 90)	Rank
Non-penalty xG	0.22	Top 3%
Pass completion	90.5%	Top 7%
Successful take-ons	1.42	Top 6%
Touches in attacking penalty area	3.32	Top 4%
Progressive passes received	4.96	Top 5%

*Stats compared to positional peers in Europe in the last 365 days based on 1652 minutes played - (Source: fbref).

*Stats correct as of 15/11/2024.

Career so far

Liverpool breakthrough

Jones joined the Reds at the age of nine, and waited till 2018 to make his debut for Liverpool's U23's after progressing through the ranks.

He signed his first contract for Liverpool on 1st February 2018 and featured in the senior squad for their Premier League match against Everton on 7th April 2018, although he failed to make an appearance.

Jones made his first-team debut on 7th January 2019 in the FA Cup third round against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Perhaps his most memorable contribution for the Reds was on 5th January 2020, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over bitter rivals Everton. Not only was his goal remarkable, but he also took authority of a game largely made up of Liverpool's reserves, truly announcing himself to supporters.

He has played 146 times for his boyhood club (as of 15/11/2024), and looks set to make many more.

International caps

After breaking through the ranks at England, playing for the U16s, U17s, U18s, U19s and U21s, he was granted his first England cap against Greece on 14th November 2024.

He proved why Lee Carsley had called on his services by flicking home a delicate effort into the far corner.

With Thomas Tuchel set to take charge at England from January, Jones will be keen to impress and make himself known to the German.

Curtis Jones: What they said

I remember having a conversation with Jurgen talking about Curtis and he was saying he has little things to improve, and I said stay with this kid, he will not let you down.

- Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, May 2023

We all know how good Curtis is, he is incredibly skilled technically, but he finds more and more direction in his dribbling, he gets out of tight spaces and his pressing sets the level.

- Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, January 2024