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Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham: Three things we learned – Roberto Firmino is all class

By Russell Hughes

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 11: Roberto Firmino of Liverpool reacts after his sides victory during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 11, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 11: Roberto Firmino of Liverpool reacts after his sides victory during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 11, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
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Liverpool vs Everton Curtis Jones
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 05: Curtis Jones of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 05, 2020 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /

Curtis Jones brought down a peg

There was room for Takumi Minamino, Neco Willams and Nathaniel Phillips but the Merseyside Derby hero was nowhere to be seen as Curtis Jones didn’t even make the match day squad against Spurs.

In his post-match interview, Jones bemoaned the fact that he hasn’t played more minutes this season. It was a statement as confident as his well-taken goal but it’s not one that seems to fit the reality of Anfield.

That has proven to be the case, with Klopp preferred Shaqiri and Minamino as the attacking replacements he could call on. In fairness, Williams and Phillips were only on the bench out of necessity with James Milner injured and defensive pair Dejen Lovren and Joel Matip still on the treatment table.

It was reported that Jones was denied a loan move to Rangers because Klopp wanted to keep him around the squad and that shows how highly rated the 18-year-old is. There is no doubt he will play a part in Liverpool’s future, but probably not right now.

Next summer will be the key. If Jones is allowed to leave on loan, that will indicate that the starlet isn’t ready for Premier League football – and who could blame him. But if he does, stand by for a breakthrough 2020/2021.

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