Curtis Jones takes ONE game to show he belongs among Ballon D'Or nominees

Curtis Jones shone on his England debut against Finland in the Nations League last week.

The fact it took the Liverpool midfielder this long to get on the pitch in an England jersey is astonishing given his ability on the ball and versatility in midfield - an area where England have struggled to find the right combination of players for some time.

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Former England boss Gareth Southgate called Jones up to his provisional squad for EURO 2024, but cut him without giving him a minute of game time during pre-tournament friendlies.

Interim manager Lee Carsley has experimented more with the midfield than Southgate did, starting Jones against Greece alongside Conor Gallagher following Declan Rice’s withdrawal from the squad.

Jones capitalised on other players’ absences by putting in an eye-catching performance and scoring an audacious heel flick to wrap the game up late on.

It wasn’t just the goal that has raised Jones’ stock - he was also dominant on the ball, taking the most touches for England with 86 and completing 65 of his 68 passes.

And now a former England international is saying that it could be time for Jones to be rewarded for his form with a regular starting spot once Thomas Tuchel takes charge from January.

Does Jones deserve a starting spot?

Former England international Darren Bent was on Talksport this week, and thinks that we are starting to see the best of Jones this season.

“I really like Curtis Jones, I always have done - it was just can he nail down a spot,” Bent said of Jones’ performances this year.

“Obviously we know that they [Liverpool] have got Endo, they’ve got Szoboszlai, who hasn’t quite had the same impact that he had - start of last season I remember thinking ‘oh my goodness’ but the injuries have not really helped him out.

“I feel for any position, for any player, you need a run of games. I know Curtis Jones, he’s 23 years old so he’s young but he’s not young-young.

“I like Curtis Jones, I think he’s comfortable in possession. He can play the 8 if he has to, he can play the 10. I think he’s got great technique, it was just can he get a run of games in this Liverpool side so that we can see the best of him, and I think now we are starting to see the best of him. He obviously scored a really good goal for England, that will give him confidence as well. He’s a good size as well, he’s a big 'ol lump as well.

“I wouldn’t say nowhere near," Bent added, when asked if Jones should be in the starting lineup for England when everyone is fit.

“I think [Declan] Rice is one of the only natural holders, so I think he’ll play…Bellingham plays, so Bellingham, Rice and one other - and that could be Curtis Jones."

Both Bellingham and Rice were among the nominees for this year's Ballon D'Or, which eventually went to Rodri. While Jones will need to keep up his great form to be in with a chance of making the shortlist during his career, the fact it has taken one game for him to be spoken about as the main partner to those two is telling.

Jones and Slot - a match made in heaven

Jones has been in great form for Liverpool this season under Arne Slot.

The Liverpool midfielder raised eyebrows when talking about the impact Slot could have on his game during pre-season.

"It's probably the happiest I've been in terms of a style of play that suits me. It's a clear plan in training and he's fully involved, coaching us a lot," Jones said in a press conference during the pre-season tour of the USA.

And he's doubled-down on those comments in recent weeks.

“Arne and his staff have come in and the style of play and everything is changing - the the way we go and press and stuff," Jones told the Mirror. "I think it suits me more. As a fresh start I'll give it everything I can.

“I’m really enjoying it and the most important thing is that I'm playing with a smile on my face.”

He's been putting smiles on the faces of Liverpool fans this year as well. Jones' goal against Chelsea earlier in the season put him into many Reds' preferred starting lineups, and his versatility means he can play in a number of positions in Slot's midfield.

He has an opportunity this season to kick on and become one of the first names on the Liverpool and England teamsheet.

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