Liverpool coach Gary O’Neil heaps praise on ‘unbelievable’ Curtis Jones

Liverpool under-23 assistant coach Gary O’Neil has praised teenage midfielder Curtis Jones after he forced his way into the first team reckoning at Anfield.

O’Neil described Jones as ‘unbelievable’ whilst appearing on talkSPORT and gave Reds fans an insight into who could be the next talented youngster off the Kirkby production line.

Jones has been sensational this season and has quickly established himself as part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans despite the competition for places in the midfield.

The 19-year-old was instrumental against Tottenham last week as Klopp’s side went clear at the top of the Premier League. His confident ball-carrying ability and swagger, combined with a seemingly fearless will to take positive action in possession, provides a whole new dimension to the Liverpool midfield.

The former Portsmouth and West Ham midfielder became part of the coaching staff at the club in August and paid testament to Jones’ continued influence on the youngsters at the club, telling talkSPORT:

“Curtis Jones is unbelievable, isn’t he? He’s gone into the first-team and made it look so easy.’”

“He’s been absolutely fantastic. He’s a great kid as well. He still comes down and watches the under-23s when his schedule allows him. He’s still fantastic with all the boys.’”

O’Neil also touched on Rhys Williams’ impressive start to his Liverpool career before singling out 18-year-old left-back Owen Beck as a potential star of tomorrow.

Jones has rightly earned his place as part of Klopp’s plans and may yet keep more experienced names such as Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out of the reckoning.

It may be too soon to pin huge hopes on him inspiring the Reds to a second consecutive Premier League title, but it seems clear that he will have a big part to play this season.

It could simply be the fearlessness of youth or unerring confidence in his own ability, but to now Jones has been unfazed by any challenge thrown at him and has instead taken every single step in his stride, often with a stepover included.