Curtis Jones shone for England at the European Under-21 Championship this summer while Alexis Mac Allister has regained his strength ahead of the new season.

The vast majority of Jurgen Klopp’s squad are currently on vacation, with their players enjoying a long-awaited refreshment ahead of the new season. Curtis Jones, meanwhile, has been playing football all summer, representing his national team in Romania and Georgia.

The Scouse midfielder took part in the European Under-21 Championship and progressed to the tournament final on Wednesday night after England managed to beat Israel three goals to nil in the semi-finals.

Jones shone throughout the competition and his form continued throughout the week after winning the player of the match award. At just 22, he dominated center park in the highly publicized battle for Lee Carsley’s team.

Jones missed just five of his 92 passes and racked up 100 touches as he was used second in midfield alongside Lille’s Angel Gomes.

It looks like the Reds academy graduate has managed to continue his fine form on international duty of late, having shone on Merseyside towards the end of last season. Klopp gave him a starting position in the squad for the last 11 games of the season and he rarely made a mistake on the pitch.

Jones almost grows up. He has a physical and technical presence in the center of the pitch and someone who can dribble, create and score when needed, while also showing a natural knack when needed to pressurize the ball in Klopp’s signature way of putting in and recovering.

So said the German coach a few weeks ago (via The Mirror). “I think where he’s improved the most is his back pressure, he’s great and the pace of the game.

He doesn’t hold the ball that long anymore. He’s much quicker at making decisions and stuff like that.” It’s a good finalizer, we’ve seen it a couple of times. He’s in a good time, really cool.”

Since the Liverpool manager adopted a new 3-2-5 formation with ball possession in early April, Jones has been given a platform to showcase his best qualities.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold moved to midfield to play alongside Fabinho due to the tactical switch, Jones was allowed to move further up and spend more time in the bottom third.

He has portrayed himself as a dominant offensive player when he has been involved. His rapid development has been so sudden in recent months that it could prove to be a real problem for Alexis Mac Allister, who signed for Liverpool from Brighton and Hove Albion earlier this summer.

The 24-year-old midfielder was one of the best performers in the Premier League last season and even managed to win the World Cup mid-season when Argentina started against France in the final. Technical, intelligent, adaptable and reliable, Mac Allister has a near-perfect injury record.

Klopp likely signed him to take on the role of number eight on the left in his 3-2-5 system, but that’s the role Jones has made his own since April.

As Mac Allister is a new signing who enjoys greater recognition on the international stage, many simply assume he will become an instant regular at Anfield, but things may not be that simple.

He could do just that, but Jones is looking more and more like he belongs in the team right now.

He is dynamic, confident and energetic and based on his performances over the past few months, he hasn’t done anything to earn a place on the bench in the near future, leaving Klopp with a difficult dilemma ahead of their opener. in the Premier League against Chelsea, to take place in August.

Mac Allister was his first statement signer in the summer window and he wore the famous number 10 shirt at the finish. The South American will be part of Klopp’s next big team at Liverpool, but Jones really does have a claim.

on Merseyside is all about luxury, but if the Reds duo were indeed to fight for the same spot on the pitch next season, it could end up being quite difficult.

More news……..

‘Break the bank’ – Liverpool advice to sign £52 million Newcastle United ‘target’

Liverpool are linked with a summer transfer of Federico Chiesa from Juventus.

Glen Johnson believes Liverpool should opt for Federico Chiesa.
The Reds have signed two players so far in the summer transfer window, spending £95million on Alex Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlali – from Brighton and RB Leipzig respectively.

But Jurgen Klopp could expand his midfield further – especially if Thiago Alcantara actually leaves.

Southampton’s Romeo Lavia is heavily associated. However, Juventus striker Chiesa is also said to be on Liverpool’s radar. The 25-year-old helped Italy win the Euro 2020 title while registering four goals and six assists in 33 appearances for Juve last season.

Newcastle United are said to be among the clubs interested in Chiesa and a £52million price tag has been mooted.

And while the Reds are well-equipped in attacking terms, Johnson – who spent six years at Anfield between 2009 and 2015 – thinks it would be wise for Liverpool to move if Chiesa were available at the right price.

Speaking to Betfred, the former right-back said: “He’s a good player who plays for a big club and has had success at international level.

Not only is he part of the squad but he delivers when he is needed and I think it could be a very sensible deal for Liverpool if they can sign him, if they don’t have to break the bank for him.

“I think he is a player who would improve the Liverpool squad and if they can sign him for a reasonable fee then that is a move I would really like to see happen.”