Curtis Jones “Buzzing” After Chance to Show What He’s Capable Of

There wasn’t much good to come out of Liverpool’s FA Cup defeat to Wolves on Monday night, a loss that saw Jürgen Klopp run out a team of mostly fringe and youth players and that still managed to end with a key first team player picking up an injury.

It wasn’t all bad, though. Injury concerns aside, it will mean more rest ahead of a string of important league and Champions League games starting in February. It also has to be noted that the youth players who were involved acquitted themselves well.

“It was a big thing for me,” said midfielder Curtis Jones of being handed his first senior start for the club. “I was grateful, I was honoured, and I can only thank the boss for putting me out there. As a 17-year-old boy coming from Liverpool, it’s every kid’s dream.

“It’s a massive achievement for me and I’m absolutely buzzing. I was more excited than anything. I tried to go out there and play how the boss wanted me to play and I enjoyed it. I was trying to get on the ball and play the way I normally play.”

Things didn’t always come off for Jones, but he was more of a presence on the ball than Naby Keïta, the more experienced midfielder playing opposite him. The same could be said for Rafa Camacho at right back, who outshone left back Alberto Moreno.

There was also an very strong debut for Ki-Jana Hoever, who impressed alongside Fabinho at centre half—one of the few first team players who played well. The youth weren’t perfect, but on an otherwise disappointing night they were promising.

“I was trying to do what I can and I’m absolutely buzzing to make my debut,” Jones added. “For any player that hasn’t had a lot of game time, the only thing the players want is to get out there and show their talent and what they’re capable of.”