Curtis Jones

GdLU...6zz5

5 May 2024

Curtis Jones

Curtis Jones, born on January 30, 2001, is an English midfielder who plies his trade for Liverpool in the Premier League. His football journey began at a young age when he joined Liverpool's academy at just nine years old. Demonstrating promise and dedication, Jones signed his first professional contract with the club in February 2018, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Jones's breakthrough came in 2019 when he made his debut for Liverpool's first team. His talent and hard work earned him a place in Liverpool's squad during the triumphant 2019–20 Premier League campaign, where the team clinched the league title.
In addition to his club achievements, Jones has also represented England at various youth levels, showcasing his potential on the international stage. With his skill set and determination, Jones continues to be a promising prospect for both Liverpool and the English national team.

Curtis Julian Jones was born on January 30, 2001, in Liverpool, Merseyside. He spent his formative years growing up in the Toxteth area of the city. Jones has roots in Nigeria through his grandmother, adding a multicultural dimension to his background.
Curtis Julian Jones began his journey with Liverpool at the tender age of nine. After showcasing his talent, he made his debut for the U23s in January 2018. Following his promising performances, Jones signed his first professional contract with the club on February 1, 2018.
Despite his young age, Jones caught the eye of Liverpool's management, earning a spot in the squad for a Premier League match against Everton on April 7. While he was named on the substitute bench, he didn't get the chance to make an appearance.
Jones continued to impress during pre-season preparations for the 2018–19 season, drawing praise from manager Jürgen Klopp for his agility and dribbling prowess. His dedication paid off when he made his long-awaited first-team debut on January 7, 2019, in the FA Cup third-round match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Curtis Jones continued to make significant strides in his career during the 2019–20 season with Liverpool. He made his season debut and played in his second competitive match for the club on September 25, 2019, in an EFL Cup match against Milton Keynes Dons, where he impressed and was chosen as the man of the match.
In a memorable EFL Cup encounter against Arsenal, Jones showcased his composure by scoring the winning penalty in Liverpool's shootout victory. His Premier League debut came on December 7, 2019, as a substitute against AFC Bournemouth.

Jones etched his name in Merseyside derby folklore on January 5, 2020, with a stunning winning goal against Everton in the FA Cup. This remarkable strike made him the youngest goalscorer in a Merseyside derby since Robbie Fowler in 1994. Just three weeks later, he continued his scoring streak by opening the scoring against Shrewsbury Town, becoming the first teenager to score in consecutive appearances for Liverpool since Raheem Sterling in April 2014.
February 5, 2020, marked another milestone for Jones as he became Liverpool's youngest-ever captain at the age of 19 years and 5 days, leading the team to a 1–0 victory over Shrewsbury in an FA Cup replay.
Recognizing his talent and potential, Liverpool rewarded Jones with a new long-term contract on July 4, 2020. The following day, he scored his first league goal for the club in a 2–0 win over Aston Villa. His impressive performances throughout the season earned him a Premier League winner's medal and the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award for 2019–20.

Curtis Jones made significant contributions to Liverpool's campaigns in both the 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons. In the 2020–21 EFL Cup, he showcased his attacking prowess by scoring two goals in four minutes against Lincoln City, earning him the man of the match award. His first UEFA Champions League goal came on December 1, 2020, in a crucial victory over Ajax that secured Liverpool's progression into the knockout stages. Jones also demonstrated his impact in the Premier League, scoring his first league goal of the season in a 2–0 win over Sheffield United on February 28, 2021.
The following season, Jones opened his goal-scoring account with a goal against Brentford on September 25, 2021, and provided two assists in a commanding 5–1 victory over Porto in the Champions League on September 28. Despite Liverpool narrowly missing out on a historic quadruple, Jones played a pivotal role in their success, contributing to their triumphs in the EFL Cup and the FA Cup.

Jones continued to impress in the 2022–23 season, scoring his first goal of the campaign in a thrilling 4–3 win against Tottenham Hotspur on April 30, 2023. His standout performance came on May 15, 2023, against Leicester City, where he scored a quick-fire brace in a 3–0 away victory, earning him the man of the match accolade.
While Liverpool narrowly missed out on UEFA Champions League qualification at the end of the 2022–23 season, Jones's consistent performances and contributions were recognized with a new long-term contract, securing his future with the club until June 2027.

Curtis Jones continued to feature prominently for Liverpool as a regular starter. However, a suspension and an injury suffered in October and November briefly sidelined him, allowing Ryan Gravenberch to fill in for him in several matches. Despite these setbacks, Jones maintained a positive attitude, expressing confidence in his ability to contribute to the team. Assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders credited Jones' recent return to form to his resilient "Scouse mentality," highlighting his determination and fighting spirit.
Jones faced controversy on September 30 when he was controversially sent off during a Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur for a foul on Yves Bissouma. Initially shown a yellow card by referee Simon Hooper, the decision was upgraded to a red card after the video assistant referee intervened, despite debates about the nature of the challenge. Pundits, including Gary Neville and Jamie Redknapp, questioned the decision, suggesting that Jones had not acted with malice.

Despite the challenges, Jones made a significant impact in the EFL Cup quarter-final against West Ham United on December 20, 2023, scoring his first goals of the season in a convincing 5–1 victory. This performance demonstrated his ability to bounce back and make valuable contributions to the team, reaffirming his importance to Liverpool's success.
Curtis Jones began his international career with the England national under-21 team, making his debut on October 7, 2020, in a thrilling 3–3 draw against Andorra. He marked his presence with his first goal for the under-21s during a 3–1 victory over Andorra on November 13, showcasing his attacking prowess. Jones was part of the squad that competed in the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship but faced disappointment as England were eliminated at the group stage. Nonetheless, he managed to make his mark by scoring in their final match against Croatia.

Jones's contributions earned him a spot in the England squad for the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. In the final against Spain on July 8, 2023, Jones played a crucial role, credited with the winning goal after Cole Palmer's free kick deflected off him into the net. His outstanding performance earned him the man of the match award, as England clinched the championship for the first time since 1984. Jones's stellar displays throughout the tournament caught the attention of the UEFA Technical Observer panel, who selected him for their team of the tournament, recognizing his talent and impact on the field.