"One of the best players I’ve worked with" - Lee Carsley praises Liverpool star as he gets called up for England squad
England interim boss Lee Carsley has spoken about his decision to call Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones up to the Three Lions squad. The 23-year-old has impressed at Anfield for half a decade, making 145 first-team appearances after breaking through the academy.
However, he had been unable to clinch a spot in the national team, having played for the U-21 team since 2020. While Jones has been called up in the past, he never managed to make an appearance, and his debut for the Three Lions has yet to happen. He could get his chance, though, with Carsley praising the Reds' star.
The interim manager said about Curtis Jones during his press conference (via Liverpool.com):
"Curtis is an all-round player. He plays in various positions and he’s a player I highly rate. He’s probably one of the best players I’ve worked with in terms of his ability. He’s shown a real consistent level of performance, playing every week, now.
"Most weeks he’s at a really high level and he’s shown he can score goals. He’s a player we’ve had a lot of success with working in the past."
This season, Curtis Jones has been brilliant for Liverpool, lending weight to Carsley's decision to call him up for their upcoming UEFA Nations League matches. The midfielder has scored one goal and provided four assists in 12 games so far, playing quite regularly under new Reds' manager Arne Slot.
"That's up to him and the club"- Liverpool boss Arne Slot tells Egyptian legend amid contract extension rumors
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has spoken about club legend Mohamed Salah, who is currently in the final year of his contract at Anfield. Salah has been a massive part of the Reds' success in the last decade, but an exit could be on the cards if he fails to agree to a contract extension.
Arne Slot was asked about potentially replacing Salah in the starting lineup, especially if the forward leaves. However, he revealed that his thoughts were not focused on that direction, telling TNT Sports Brazil (via Eurosport):
"The only thing I think about is he is so important for us. Scores important goals, works hard for the team. I’m hoping he can enjoy that feeling many, many, many more times...
"He’s been incredible for us this season and I hope he can continue doing this for the rest of the season and maybe longer to come, but that’s up to him and the club to find the idea about the future."
Mohamed Salah remains in brilliant form for Liverpool, having scored nine goals and provided nine goals in just 16 appearances across competitions this season.