Liverpool’s impressive 3-0 victory over Leicester City has narrowed the gap between the Reds and their top-four rivals, Manchester United and Newcastle, to just one point. Although both teams have a game in hand over Liverpool, it has certainly added excitement to the race for Champions League qualification in the final stages of the season. Bonuscodebets recently interviewed Liverpool legend John Barnes to discuss the outstanding performances of Mo Salah and Curtis Jones. Barnes also shared his insights on the future prospects of right back Calvin Ramsey.
Curtis Jones sends a reminder to his doubters
The Liverpool midfield overhaul has been a major topic of discussion for quite some time. It was assumed that while Curtis Jones might not be leaving, he wouldn’t have a prominent role in the upcoming seasons. Injuries and a decline in form caused Jones to become somewhat forgotten among Liverpool fans. However, the academy graduate has played a crucial part in the team’s resurgence.
Liverpool have now won seven consecutive league victories as they strive to challenge both Newcastle and Manchester United in the race for Champions League qualification. Barnes expresses no surprise regarding Jones’ form and emphasises his hard work and positive attitude as decisive factors in his recent performances. According to Jones, he had one of his finest games in Liverpool’s 3-0 triumph against Leicester, during which he scored two goals.
“People have forgotten what Curtis did when he first burst onto the scene. We at Liverpool know the quality he has.”
“Just like the team, Curtis hasn’t been as consistent as he would have liked. Now the team is playing more consistently and the players are showing what they can do.”
“Curtis doesn’t surprise me because I know how good he is and he’s showing what he’s capable of.”
“He’s very good on the ball, he works hard and he has a good attitude.”
“I’m pleased for him.”
Mo Salah trumps Hazard, Mata, Ozil and Scholes’ assists record
Monday evening saw Mo Salah help himself to a different kind of hat trick to his usual. Rather than finding the back of the net three times, the Egyptian helped himself to a trio of assists. As per Squawka Live Salah has more Premier League assists (56) than the likes of Eden Hazard, Juan Mata, and Mesut Özil (54), as well as Manchester United legend Paul Scholes (55). Barnes showered Salah with praise for his remarkable ability to both score goals and create opportunities for his teammates, despite being the primary goal scorer for the club.
“Mo has scored more goals than people would have expected when he arrived. He has really been Liverpool’s main goalscorer.”
“He has always been able to assist but I think due to the volume of goals he has scored that side of his game has been overlooked.”
“His career has probably been different to what people would have expected because he’s a wide player and they are expected to score the odd goal here and create more for the centre forwards.”
“It’s not a negative thing if he’s been overshadowed for assisting because look at all the goals he has scored.”
Could Calvin Ramsey be the key to Trent’s midfield hopes?
The performance of Trent Alexander-Arnold in his inverted right-back role has coincided with Liverpool’s seven-game winning streak. Many now speculate whether Jurgen Klopp would consider deploying Trent as a midfielder on a permanent basis. This, of course, would create a vacancy for a new right back in the Liverpool squad during the summer.
However, there have been suggestions that right back Calvin Ramsey could be a long-term solution if Trent were to transition into a midfield role permanently. Barnes believes that if Liverpool continue with their current system, it could provide an opportunity for Ramsey to establish himself as the long term right back.
“I think this will depend upon if Liverpool keep playing the same way and have Trent playing in this inverted midfielder role or just use him as a midfielder going forward.”
“If they use Trent as an out and out midfielder there could be some space for Calvin Ramsey.”
“When Trent does go into midfield from right back we have been exposed down the right side.”
“If Calvin does come in next season it will mean that one of the three midfield players will need to drop out which could mess with the dynamic of the rest of the team.”
“Calvin has been unlucky with injuries.”
