“One of the Best I’ve Seen” – Former Man City Star Heaps Praise on Liverpool Midfielder | OneFootball

Micah Richards Applauds Curtis Jones’ Exceptional England Debut

Micah Richards, the former Manchester City defender and now a prominent football pundit, has heaped praise on Curtis Jones for his stellar performance during England’s commanding 3-0 win over Greece in the Nations League. The Liverpool midfielder made an unforgettable impression on his senior international debut, and Richards didn’t hold back in his admiration.

A Performance Beyond His Years

Curtis Jones played the full 90 minutes in what Richards described as one of the best England debuts he’s ever witnessed. Operating in the number six role, Jones showcased maturity, tactical awareness, and technical skill, drawing plaudits from all quarters.

“Curtis Jones was extraordinary, that’s one of the best England debuts I’ve ever seen,” Richards said during The Rest is Football podcast.

Photo: IMAGO

Richards pointed out how Jones adapted seamlessly to the demands of international football, where players often find the pace of the game slower but the pressure to perform higher.

“When you go to England, sometimes the pace is a little bit slower and you play the easy pass. But if you look at Curtis Jones’ body positions, he was always available for the ball every time,” Richards observed.

Mastering the Midfield Pivot

Richards was particularly impressed with Jones’ ability to control the game from the pivot role, emphasising that the Liverpool star’s performance went beyond flashy moments.

“When you play in that pivot – the number six – you don’t always have to be dribbling past people, breaking the lines, playing that fantastic pass. It’s about being available for the ball and him in that role, he can be that person who’s not afraid,” Richards explained.

Photo: IMAGO

Jones’ confidence on the ball and his positioning were standout features of his performance, demonstrating his readiness for the international stage.

“He showed me his character, how fearless he can be,” Richards added, underscoring the 22-year-old’s maturity and composure in one of football’s most demanding positions.

Praised by a Former Teammate

Richards also shared insights from former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, who had long recognised Jones’ potential.

“I spoke to Daniel Sturridge and he said he’s one of the best technical players he ever played with, and now he’s starting to see it on a regular basis,” Richards revealed.

Jones’ development under Liverpool manager Arne Slot appears to be paying dividends. His club form, combined with the confidence instilled by playing in Slot’s dynamic midfield setup, has equipped him with the tools to thrive on the international stage.

A Star on the Rise

Curtis Jones’ England debut was not just a testament to his talent but also a statement of intent. With Richards’ high praise echoing the thoughts of many, it’s clear that Jones has the potential to become a regular fixture in the England squad.

For Liverpool, his growth into a dependable and technically gifted midfielder underlines the importance of nurturing homegrown talent. As Richards noted, Jones’ fearlessness and technical ability are finally being showcased at the highest level.

“Going international, it really felt like he was at home,” Richards concluded.