Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Curtis Jones’ long-term future at Liverpool would be as a defensive midfielder following the exits of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson.
The pair have completed their moves to the Saudi Pro League, leaving the Reds without any recognised holder ahead of the new season. Liverpool saw their second and improved bid to sign Romeo Lavia rejected by Southampton who want £50m for the 19-year-old.
Liverpool are also looking at other alternatives with Fluminense star Andre an option as Jurgen Klopp continues to revamp his midfield this summer.
Jones was deployed in the No.6, defensive-midfield role for Liverpool in the 4-0 victory over Leicester City at the weekend and the 22-year-old is expected to continue in that position against Bayern.
The German said: “In this actual set-up how we have it and how the squad looks, he is one of the options, definitely.
“I think it’s no secret that we are still looking for players joining us. But that’s one thing and the other thing is using what you have. And I think Curtis can absolutely play that position.
“So, can he play it when nobody else is defending in the team? No, no chance, but then I don’t know any player who could play it then.
“But if we really understand the situation how it is in this moment, a proven six is not available in the moment, will we make an excuse of that and say, ‘OK, how can we do that?’ Then we have a problem because during a season a lot of things can happen, that was always the case.
“If you see it as a challenge and if you see it as a positive challenge, try to find a way to be compact anyway or even more so and to find a way to deny the opponent, and our world-class opponent tomorrow obviously, if we do that together it’s always possible.
“Then in possession there’s no doubt that Curtis can have a massive impact from that position.
“I think his development in the last few months since he’s with us is really remarkable. [He was] held back by some [injuries], especially by the last injury, which was really not helpful, wrong moment, too long, everything. Not his fault but just happens with young players.
“Before that, the steps he made were really good. For his young age he played for Liverpool already incredible games but was not stable until a year ago or so, then bad injury. Meanwhile, he looks stable and the Euros gave him, for sure, confidence.
“So, yeah, having him on the pitch makes sense. In this position, if nobody else is there, he can play that, definitely.”
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