Among all the transfer rumours surrounding Liverpool this summer, few would be more frustrating than seeing Curtis Jones leave before Andoni Iraola has even had the chance to work with him.
If there is one player in Liverpool’s squad who appears tailor-made for Iraola’s style of football, it is Jones.
The idea of moving him on now feels premature at best and potentially a major mistake at worst.
The Perfect Iraola Midfielder
Iraola’s teams are built around intensity.
They press aggressively.
They demand energy.
They require midfielders who can carry the ball, win duels and drive the team forward.
That sounds a lot like Curtis Jones.
For years, Jones has shown an ability to retain possession under pressure, carry the ball through midfield and contribute both defensively and offensively.
His athleticism and technical quality make him a natural fit for the sort of high-energy football Iraola has become known for.
Rather than being a player who should be sold, he could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the managerial change.
Have We Seen the Best of Jones Yet?
That is the key question.
At 25 years old, Jones should be entering the prime years of his career.
Liverpool supporters have already seen flashes of what he is capable of, but there remains a feeling that there is another level still to come.
Different managers bring different demands.
Different systems unlock different qualities.
There is every chance that Iraola could get more out of Jones than any previous Liverpool manager.
Selling him before discovering that answer feels incredibly risky.
The Mac Allister Debate
This is where opinions become divided.
Many supporters would argue that Alexis Mac Allister’s experience, technical ability and World Cup pedigree make him the safer option.
Others see things differently.
At 27 years old, Mac Allister is already established as the player he is likely to become.
Jones still appears to have room for growth.
If Liverpool are building for the future, there is a legitimate argument that Jones represents the more exciting long-term investment.
That is not necessarily a criticism of Mac Allister.
It is recognition that Jones’ ceiling may still be higher than many realise.
Homegrown Players Matter
There is also another factor.
Jones is one of Liverpool’s own.
Academy graduates who become first-team regulars are increasingly rare at the elite level.
Supporters naturally form stronger connections with players who have come through the system.
That should not guarantee a place in the squad.
But it should make the club think very carefully before deciding to move him on.
Give Him the Chance
Football is full of examples of players who flourished under one manager after struggling to fully convince another.
Liverpool should make absolutely certain that Jones is not one of those cases.
The smart move is simple.
Let Andoni Iraola work with him.
Let him experience a full pre-season.
Let him play in a system that appears perfectly suited to his strengths.
Then make a judgement.
Because selling Curtis Jones before Iraola gets the opportunity to unlock his potential could be one of the biggest mistakes Liverpool make this summer.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
No it wouldnt you have had 2 Premier League winning managers decide he is only a squad player the Lad wants to play every week he will not get that at Liverpool with a least 2 new Midfield signings expected its sad but unless you are offering a 5y deal a wage increase and guaranteed mins you have to maximise his value in the market place and that is now and that is the reality we are in
Thanks very much for your opinion
If he wasn’t a scouser he wouldn’t be at liverpool