'At Liverpool': Steve Nicol explains why he's not convinced by Curtis Jones despite impressive England debut
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After a slightly difficult start to the new season, Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has firmly turned the tide in his favour with his recent performances.
The 23-year-old has started three of Liverpool’s last four games across all competitions and also starred on his England debut.
Lee Carsley said Jones was one of the best players he’s ever coached and the midfielder repaid his manager’s faith in him with a goal against Greece to cap off a fine display.
Jones hasn’t done much wrong in recent months, but strangely, he hasn’t yet been able to convince Steve Nicol of his brilliance.
Steve Nicol casts doubts over Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones
Jones started alongside Conor Gallagher in midfield in a 4-2-3-1 and kept things ticking in the centre of the park.
However, he put the icing on the cake with England’s third goal on the night with a fantastic backheel to cap off a Man of the Match performance.
While Nicol admitted that the 23-year-old did his reputation no harm with his performance against Greece, he is yet to be convinced that Jones has what it takes to produce consistently for Liverpool.
"Today he was great, his goal stood out and he started things for England at the top of his own penalty box,” said Nicol on ESPN FC’s YouTube channel.
“He was always available, made the right pass and started everyone up. But I'm really stuck in the middle with him.
“When he's at Liverpool, he gets 2-3 games and there seems to be a drop-off or he picks up an injury. But this season, when he's played, there hasn't been a drop off so maybe he's turned a corner."
Jones’ Liverpool stats so far
Since making his debut in 2019, Jones has played nearly 150 games for Liverpool, winning five major trophies including the Premier League.
| Curtis Jones overall stats | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| Liverpool | 146 | 17 | 18 |
Arne Slot said he was blown away when he first watched Jones in training and the midfielder has slowly grown in stature under the new manager to force his way into the starting XI.
The 23-year-old is a fantastic talent and is finally coming into his own. Perhaps this is the season he really wins over Nicol and convinces him for good that he is more than good enough to start games for Liverpool and England.
