Over the last few days, Liverpool have been linked with a move for Hoffenheim Kerem Demirbay. According to the Express, he’s a key target of Jurgen Klopp, and it doesn’t take long to work out why.
The midfielder is a real physical presence, but he offers fantastic quality on the ball. He’s a very modern midfielder, in that he’s got a bit of everything. He can pass, but he can also tackle, whilst he can also dribble and offer something aerially.
There’s no doubting, then, that he’d be a good fit in England, but is he really the sort of player that Liverpool need right now? Sure, they could do with a bit of extra quality in the midfield, but is that worth spending so much on?
Well, when you consider what Liverpool have available in their youth ranks, perhaps not, as young Curtis Jones could be the perfect man to take up the mantle ahead of a player like Demirbay.
A midfielder by trade, Jones has spent time with the Liverpool first team as of late, both in training and on matchdays. He played a significant role over the summer during their pre-season tour, and he more than held his own amongst players that were often years older than him. He didn’t lack composure, nor he did he lack confidence, and for a young player trying to make a break for the first team, that’s so important.
A versatile player, Jones is able to play in a few positions in the midfield, but like Demirbay, he is more suited to an offensive role. He’s an excellent dribbler and is physically imposing, despite his slight frame and young age. He needs to improve his presence somewhat, but for now, he’s more than able.
He’s got a considerable goalscoring threat, with his drive and enthusiasm often allowing him to get into positions in which he’s able to make an impact in front of goal. Though not particularly quick, he more than makes up for that with his quick feet and mobility, and so on the field, he often seems much faster than he perhaps actually is.
At just 17-years-old, Jones is a player that is improving with every passing week, and so for Liverpool, he could be a great fit. He wouldn’t cost a penny, and the Reds have already seen from Trent Alexander-Arnold the sort of impact that a homegrown player can have in the first team.
Whoever signs isn’t going to be a regular straight away, and so giving Jones a few minutes here and there would serve the Reds far better than making a big money signing.
