‘It’s not fair’: Klopp claims it’s harsh how one ‘outstanding’ Liverpool player is judged

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Jurgen Klopp told his press conference ahead of the Fulham clash that it’s ‘not fair’ that Curtis Jones isn’t been judged as a ‘young talent’ at Liverpool.

It was put to the Liverpool manager that the 19-year-old has seemingly gone passed the stage of being a ‘young talent’, but Klopp feels the ‘outstanding’ player should still be judged in that manner.

Jones has been a regular in Liverpool’s midfield in recent weeks and has played like a player who has been competing with the elite for years and years rather than months.

Klopp has played a big part in the attack-minded midfielder’s development, as he shared his thoughts on his recent rise and how he is perceived.

“He’s a young talent, still,” said Klopp. “It’s not fair when we don’t judge him like that. When you speak about the kids then it’s like it happens that you forget Curtis.

“When you are an outstanding talent in all your age groups, which Curtis has been since he’s been at Liverpool then it’s completely normal that you develop a specific personality. Very confident. Very, very confident. Nothing can harm or hurt me.

“That was the kid that came in here. That’s not his fault. That’s just normal. Then you realise in the next moment that you have a lot of really good players are around you when you join the first-team. They are similar or better. Most of them are better because they are more experienced.

“That’s a situation where a lot of talents struggle. To adapt to that. From being the prince of whatever of the team to a normal player in the next team. They struggle. And Curtis never struggled with that. That’s because of the incredible leadership of our more experienced players.”

From the crop of youngsters coming from the academy into the Liverpool first-team, it could be argued that Jones is the luxury item on that conveyor belt.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been the biggest success story in recent seasons and Klopp may well add another name to the list if Jones continues in his current ways for the next few years.

But this is where the real test will come for Jones because it’s impressive producing the goods over a short period of time, but in a few years time if he’s still knocking down doors then he won’t just become a key player for Liverpool, but the England manager may also be knocking on his door.