Jones a 'special' talent says Chirivella as Liverpool consider loan moves for young stars

The Reds had planned to loan their 18-year-old derby hero out this month but may reconsider following his Everton exploits
Pedro Chirivella hailed Curtis Jones’ “special” talent after the Liverpool youngster’s Merseyside derby heroics.

Jones, 18 years old and a boyhood Red, settled Sunday’s FA Cup third-round clash with Everton at Anfield in style. His 20-yard screamer, his first professional goal in only his third start, gave Jurgen Klopp’s team a 1-0 win over their local rivals.

It secured a remarkable win for the Reds, who had made nine changes to their starting line-up, leaving out a host of big names and fielding a number of youngsters. 



Nat Phillips and Yasser Larouci were handed debuts along with new signing Takumi Minamino, while Neco Williams, Harvey Elliott and Rhian Brewster all featured.

Jones, though, grabbed the headlines and afterwards Chirivella, who knows the young Scouser well from Liverpool’s Academy teams, paid tribute to the teenager.

“I’ve known Curtis for a long time and I’m super happy for him,” the midfielder told reporters. 

“I know he has this special thing that only a few players have and I’m very, very happy that finally he is showing what a talent he is.”

Liverpool had planned to send Jones out on loan this month, and had received enquiries from numerous Championship clubs.

However the youngster’s performance levels, as well as a mounting injury list, could yet force a re-think. Certainly, there is a growing feeling inside Anfield that this, indeed, is a player with a genuine chance of becoming a first-teamer.

“He will be a Liverpool player if nothing strange happens, 100 per cent,” said Klopp on Sunday. 




GOAL