Liverpool are an effective club. Some would say cautious, but FSG operate within their parameters and know that their formula perpetuates success.
It can be frustrating at times, but just look back Premier LeagueThe winding road over the past decade to witness the frailties and dysfunctions of some of Anfield’s biggest rivals, and how Jürgen Klopp‘s side found itself in an ascendant position for most of this period.
Arne Slot have encountered a lack of first-team investment after taking on the impossible task of succeeding their larger-than-life predecessor, but Liverpool are flying at the top of the Premier League and also occupy confident positions in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.
Whatever FSG does, it works. And that’s why Liverpool’s willingness to let Ben Doak leave – for the right price – is not a disaster, but a calculated decision.
Why Liverpool could sell Doak
According to Paul Joyce of the TimesLiverpool rejected offers from Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace for Doak this month, worth £16 million and £15 million respectively.
Liverpool would welcome their talented winger back to the club at the end of the season, but the fact that they responded to offers with their £30million valuation makes for a compelling comment on their selling stance.
For £30 million, Liverpool would hit the jackpot and then some, as he has only played half a term of Championship football and, talented as he is, the Scotland international is not that inexhaustible that any attempt at a raised hand be shot down instantly.
It’s just a guess, but it’s curious that Liverpool are willing to cash in given that Mohamed Salah is out of contract at the end of the season and Federico Chiesa was also linked to a move. Could this portend a revival of Salah?
Either way, it’s a brilliant endorsement from Liverpool’s academic scene. Doak may be Kirkby’s current crème de la crème after signing from Celtic several years ago, but some existing local stars are actually worth more than him.
Of course, Trent Alexander-Arnold is the cream of the crop, but Curtis Jones also flying after years of intermittent flashes of prominence in the first team.
Jones’ Liverpool career
Jones made his senior debut in 2019 at the age of 17, although it was a year later that he maligned his quality throughout Merseyside, scoring a sumptuous curling strike as Liverpool beat Everton in the FA Cup.
We say we have “all the attributes of a top player” by former captain Jordan Henderson, the 23-year-old is now proving that support with his dynamic performances, capable in a range of midfield roles.
He was also praised for his “really special” quality with the ball. by an analystand will be pleased to see that consistency has entered his game this season, en route to his best individual campaign to date in England’s top flight.
|
Curtis Jones Premier League Stats by Season |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Season |
Applications (starts) |
Goals |
Aids |
|
24/25 |
15 (9) |
3 |
3 |
|
23/24 |
23 (14) |
1 |
1 |
|
22/23 |
18 (12) |
3 |
1 |
|
21/22 |
24 (13) |
1 |
2 |
|
20/21 |
6 (1) |
1 |
0 |
|
Statistics via Transfer market |
|||
He is flying this season, confirming his power with a success rate of 95% in the Premier League, averaging 1.3 tackles per game and winning 53% of his duels. according to Sofascore.
The sky’s the limit, with Jones proving he can play a fundamental role in Liverpool’s future under Slot. Doak is the talk of the academy right now and is touted for big things, but Jones has always slipped somewhat under the radar – now he’s shining, with a market value that reflects his winnings.
Why Slot struck gold with Jones
Jones’ progress over the past two years is food for thought: Doak is already performing at a high level and hasn’t even said goodbye to his teenage years.
But Jones’ good fortune is the result of his hard work and tenacity, overcoming obstacles to play a key role in the Slot system this year.
Expert Micah Richards hailed the Liverpool star’s “extraordinary” England debut in November after being recalled due to his presence in Slot’s squad. Jones has featured 22 times this seasonscoring five goals, adding three assists and starting nine times in the Premier League.
His intelligence off the ball is astounding, moving through the lines to latch onto Trent’s exquisite free, Salah’s sublime through ball, underlines his happy marriage in this new Liverpool team, for Slot is a pedant in the best sense of the word, pushed towards good. -tuning the tactical wiring to ensure Liverpool stay one step ahead.
According to FBrefHe ranks in the top 1% of central midfielders in the Premier League this season for completed passes, top 2% for attempted passes, 11% for progressive passes and 14% for tackles per 90, perfectly illustrating his passing prowess and the security he provides.
It’s no surprise that Jones’ market value has increased exponentially over the past few years, with Transfermarkt records its market value to sit at £37 million. Only in March 2023, the price announced by Jones stood at £14 million.
Doak may be worth £30 million, but he has yet to eclipse Jones, and if Liverpool were to cash in on the latter this year, you can be sure Richard Hughes would balk at that £37 million and demand much more.
Jones has so much room for growth and has actually proven under Slot’s wing this season that he can take clinical patterns and weave them into the fabric of his mechanics.
Liverpool’s Dutch manager has inherited a brilliant team. Although fans don’t generally place Jones in the top bracket, he proves that Alexander-Arnold is not alone as Anfield’s academy superstar, with his best days perhaps yet to come.
