Michael Owen bemoaned Curtis Jones’ insistence on keeping hold of the ball when he came on during Liverpool’s loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Liverpool were subpar against Wolves, with Rio Nguomha the only player to earn praise from pundits post-match.
The teenager had a positive impact off the bench and nearly scored what would have been just his second Premier League goal. Jones, on the other hand, had the opposite effect when he came on.
Whose performance concerned you the most against Wolves?
Some utterly abject displays
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool - Premier League
Photo by Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty Images
Michael Owen not happy with number of touches Curtis Jones takes
Speaking live to Premier League Productions after the fixture, Owen pointed out how Jones taking too many touches ‘cost’ Liverpool a goal against Wolves.
He said: “I think Curtis Jones has got to start livening up. That’s where he takes too many touches all the time and then that was just an afterthought.
“Ah, I can’t see anything. I’ll just slowly pass it back to the goalkeeper. Well, that cost them the goal.”
Liverpool fans have slammed Jones for his displays this season, with his inability to move the ball quickly being a serious problem for some time now.
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Arne Slot reacts during Liverpool's Premier League match against Wolves at Molineux (Credit: Getty Images/Catherine Ivill - AMA).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Catherine Ivill – AMA
Jamie Carragher’s problem with Curtis Jones
Early this season, the Liverpool Academy product had a three-game spell that was actually somewhat positive.
However, Slot suggested Jones isn’t consistent enough, and shortly after those comments, he was proven right.
Alongside Owen, Jamie Carragher has been left annoyed at the midfielder for his style of play.
Speaking during the 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest when Jones replaced Florian Wirtz in the XI, he said: “But 16 seconds into the game now, yes, you might say he’s a slow starter, but when Curtis Jones is making mistakes in midfield, it’s very similar to that. So, it’s not a new thing with Curtis Jones. He takes too long on the ball.
“I don’t think he’ll ever get that out of his game. He needs to be a lot quicker and a lot sharper and that’s always been his biggest problem.”
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