Harvey Elliott started this past season with Liverpool very well. He appeared in 46 games across all competitions, but tailed off to end the season. Curtis Jones on the the hand, started off slowly but finished the season strong and in fine form.
Both players were selected to represent England at this summer’s UEFA European U-21 Championships. In positive news for Liverpool fans and the club itself, both players have acquitted themselves nicely as the Three Lions have roared into the Final.
Jones has started in 4 of the 5 games at this tournament, playing the full 90 minutes with the exception of his 88 minutes in the 3-0 Semifinal win over Israel. While he has not been electric in terms of getting on the score sheet or providing assists, he has been instrumental into keeping the game flowing and maintaining the momentum for his side.
Cole Palmer and Morgan Gibbs-White have been stealing the headlines, while Jones has been happy to be the lynchpin in the midfield directing traffic.
This is great to see for the club as Jones would have been upset to see the season end as he was beginning to hit his stride. Now, showing his meddle on the international stage, albeit U-21 level, can be seen as nothing but a net-gain.
While Jones has locked down a starting role for the side, Elliott has seen his time at the Championships be a little more rocky.
A very brief cameo in the opening Group Stage game set the stage for Elliott to be an impact sub if possible. He did start the final group stage game against Germany. It was in this match that Elliott had the time to shine, which he did en route to also bagging a terrific solo goal along the way.
He was able to play the full 90 in that match where his wide range of dribbling and passing skills were on display. It was a performance that Liverpool fans will love to see. Elliott has the attacking talent and verve to be a real force at Anfield. He showed glimpses last year including this stunning strike in the FA Cup.
With Liverpool in the midst of a midfield shakeup at the club, both Jones and Elliott are seen as vital pieces to the future. A lot could hinder on how they develop over the next few years. Playing in high level tournaments like this, and doing well, are important factors.
International football is very difficult at any level, and seeing both youngsters star in their own way en route to a European Final gets the heart rate going in the best way.
With the Final still to come, all of the Reds fans, and now England fans, will be hoping these two starlets have one more superb performance in them.