'He always shows up' - Pep Lijnders heaps praise on Liverpool midfielder

Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders has heaped praise on midfielder Curtis Jones, claiming "he always shows up" for the Reds.

Jones has had his doubters since moving into the Liverpool first team, often only showing glimpses of his quality on an inconsistent basis.

However, the 22-year-old has excelled for Liverpool this season, putting in high-calibre performances week after week in a variety of competitions.

The biggest compliment that can be paid to the midfielder is that he helps balance Jurgen Klopp's side, showcasing his quality in both halves of the pitch.

Jones has made 21 appearances for Liverpool this season, netting four goals and providing three assists. He has particularly shone in the Carabao Cup and Europa League, games in which he has been a more prominent attacking force.

Liverpool fans have been impressed by his progress this term, but they're not alone.

Assistant manager Lijnders has been full of praise for the Scouser, highlighting just how significant he has become for the Reds.

"I have to say, his development goes hand in hand with the development the team went through, already since the end of last year," Lijnders told Liverpool's official website.

"He always shows up, he’s this player who really leads with the ball and without the ball.

"He played an incredible [U21] Euros, for me he was the best player there. He is so influential for the team, with the ball and without the ball.

"It’s really cool to see how he shows up every time again. We are really happy and proud with him that he can give so much impulse every game again and again."

England's triumph at the U21 European Championship will have undoubtedly boosted Jones' confidence, the Liverpool man technically scoring the winning goal in the final - although the ball merely ricocheted off his back from Cole Palmer's free kick.

Jones was one of the key members of the England squad, his influence and experience in midfield proving vital for Lee Carsley's side.

Fortunately for the Reds, Jones has continued his good form at the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign, becoming an essential player in Klopp's new-look midfield.