Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has lauded Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones for being a ‘fantastic voice’ in the England dressing room, as he told Sky Sports Football (07/09/21 at 9:20 pm).
The Liverpool 20-year-old was absent for England U21’s 2-0 win over Kosovo in their Euro 2023 qualifier on Tuesday.
Palace’s new £18 million man (Guardian) was handed the captain’s armband in a new-look England side that had a fresh face in the dugout in Lee Carsley.
It would have been a proud moment for Guehi to take the captain’s armband.
But after their win yesterday, even though Jones didn’t play, he was quick to point out how he has been an ‘important leader’ behind the scenes.
“I am going to have to (accept the responsibility of the captaincy),” said Guehi. “But the good thing is that there are a lot of other players I can rely on in the squad as well, it’s not just me.
“There are so many important leaders we have in the team. Someone like Curtis Jones, I can mention, who didn’t play because he was suspended.
“But he has been a fantastic voice. And so many others in the team.”
This will be music to the ears of Liverpool fans that Jones is showcasing such leadership qualities away from Anfield.
But then again, given the environment he has been in on a regular basis during these past few years, it shouldn’t be a surprise.
When you have the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Jordan Henderson and Andy Robertson setting the standards on a weekly basis then that is going to rub off on you.
Plus, during the early stages of his Liverpool career, Jones has showcased a positive arrogance and fearless nature that makes him that more confident in the changing rooms.
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