Curtis Jones has had to be patient at Liverpool.
The 24-year-old midfielder has shown flashes of his quality but has yet to feature in a final for the club.
Injuries and squad depth have kept him on the sidelines for some of the biggest moments.
He missed last year’s Carabao Cup final with an ankle injury and wasn’t in the squad for Liverpool’s 2022 FA Cup and Champions League finals.
Now, with another final on the horizon, Jones is eager to make his mark.
But while fans appreciate his technical ability, some have questioned his style of play.
Critics say he holds onto the ball too long. Jones, however, sees it differently.
Curtis Jones: People say I hold on to the ball too much
Speaking about his playing style in an exclusive interview with The Athletic, he said, “Fans maybe only see goals or assists, or when you give away the ball, rather than the bigger things around it.”
Jones prides himself on his versatility.
“I’ve played on the left, I’ve played as a No 9, No 10, No 8 and a No 6,” he said.
But it’s his risk-taking on the ball that divides opinion.
“On top of that, I’m somebody who doesn’t just pass it sideways. I like to take risks.”
He knows some see this as a flaw.
“I’ve been criticised for staying on the ball a bit too long. But that’s because I have so much trust in my ability.”
Jones believes holding onto the ball can help his teammates.
“I wouldn’t want to just have the ball, get pressed and then give it to somebody else who has to handle being pressed.”
Instead, he explained, “I’d rather keep hold of the ball because I’m comfortable and slow the game down.”
By drawing defenders, he creates space for others.
“If I can attract two guys and then release the ball, it gives somebody else more time on the ball, who maybe isn’t as comfortable on it.”
“That’s what I try and do.”
With his first final appearance in sight, Jones is ready to prove his value.
Read more: Curtis Jones reveals why he owes Jurgen Klopp “so much”
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