Curtis Jones believes he now has a greater chance to get in the Liverpool side, despite Jurgen Klopp signing Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
The Reds moved to refresh their engine room through the summer transfer market after last season highlighted their problems. Yet the unexpected additional departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to the Saudi Pro League forced Liverpool to sign more than they planned.
Anfield chiefs knew they would have to invest in Klopp’s midfield after allowing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Naby Keita to leave as a free agent. Leighton Clarkson also agreed to a permanent transfer to Aberdeen, while RB Leipzig hired Fabio Carvalho on loan.
Liverpool had to strengthen with several midfield signings
Klopp had relied heavily on some of those who secured transfers away from Liverpool in the Premier League last season. Fabinho featured in 36 of their fixtures, Henderson played in 35 and Milner featured in 31 matches. No midfielder played more than Fabinho or Henderson.
Thiago Alcantara struggling with many injuries throughout the season saw Jones feature 18 times for Liverpool in the Premier League. The 22-year-old also struck three goals, the most by one of the Reds’ central midfielders. He ended the season strongly after forcing a way in.
Yet Klopp dented Jones’ hopes for retaining his role with Liverpool signing Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion for £55m and Szoboszlai off RB Leipzig for £60m. Jones played the final 24 minutes of their opening-day draw with Chelsea before he sustained an ankle injury.
The injury kept Jones out of Liverpool’s wins over AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United. Now, he faces an increased fight to get back in Klopp’s team after Gravenberch arrived from Bayern Munich for £34.5m on deadline day. The Dutchman signed a five-year contract, too.
Curtis Jones backs himself to keep Ryan Gravenberch out of the XI
Jones still backs himself to re-establish a role in Klopp’s squad, despite Liverpool’s midfield signings this summer, though. The ex-England U21 international – who sees himself playing a No8 role – also feels the Reds’ raft of exits have increased his chances to feature regularly.
“Things can always change,” he told The Telegraph. “But I feel there is more of a gap [in the team and] I back myself. I could have anybody competing with me – five lads, ten lads – and I have the same thing in my head.
“I train with them all the time, I see them play [and] I know what they have to give. But I know how much I have to give and I still have time. I have to be the best in the position I am in. I have to prove all the time I am good enough keep my shirt.”