McManaman believes Curtis Jones needs to add more goals and assists to his repertoire if he is to take Liverpool’s game to the next level.The young midfielder scored a stunning goal in the 5-1 Carabao Cup win over West Ham United earlier this month, with his second goal in particular earning rave reviews from fans and pundits alike.
Jones picked up the ball near the halfway line, ran the length of the pitch and then calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net. McManaman praised his performance against the Hammers and added that Jones showed flashes of his academy days at the club. He said “I liked his performance against West Ham United. He should always play like this.
This happened when he was an under-18 and under-21 player. He was the goalscorer, recruited people and was the most creative. Seeing him play like that in the first team makes me remember him and want to see him more. McManaman believes Jones has been guilty of playing too safe at times since joining Liverpool, but admits the Reds always have three forwards in front of midfield to pass the ball.He added: “When he made the first move, he probably tried to play it safe and take less risk in the game.
Liverpool always play with three strikers, so there are always people up front who look like they need to be careful. I know Curtis very well. If you push forward with that confidence, you rarely give the ball away. When it comes to midfield, everyone talks about scoring and passing. This will take you to the next level.”When I was at the academy, my older brother came and we talked a lot. I’m not saying I gave him advice and helped him along the way, but I was there for a lot of his games during his youth. I talk to him sometimes and he makes me very happy.
“McManaman knows something about rising through the youth ranks to become a household name at Liverpool, having made 364 first-team appearances for the club. As for Jones, he is slowly becoming a reliable presence in the center of the park, and if he continues to develop on that track, a bright future awaits him at Anfield.