Today, we had the opportunity to speak with John Barnes, the former Liverpool winger, about the recent speculation linking Liverpool to Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. In addition, Barnes shared his insights on Curtis Jones’ prospects with the England national team and the potential signing of Joshua Kimmich.
In this article:
- Liverpool would be a fantastic club for Marc Guehi
- Curtis Jones would be deserving of an England call up
- Barnes unsure who will win Kimmich race
Liverpool Would Be A Fantastic Club For Marc Guehi
Reports suggest that Liverpool has prioritised the acquisition of a new centre-back. Joel Matip, who turns 33 in August, and captain Virgil van Dijk, who will be 33 in July, have been central to Liverpool’s defence under Jürgen Klopp’s management. Considering the advancing age of these two key players, Liverpool has been linked with a move for Crystal Palace’s centre-back Marc Guehi. Guehi has made 20 Premier League appearances this season and has also earned an international cap for England. The question arises: could Guehi be a target for Liverpool this summer? John Barnes believes that Guehi would be an excellent addition to the team and that Liverpool would be the perfect place for him to further his development.
“He’s in the England squad, he’s 23 and the captain of Crystal Palace and I think he could play for a club that’s better and higher than Palace.
“But Palace are a decent, mid-table Premier League club so if he can go to one of the top five or six that would be a good move for him. If you look at the profiles and the ages of the Liverpool defence, I think Liverpool would be a fantastic club for him.
“Look at his age and the age of the likes of van Dijk and Matip. I think Liverpool would be a good move for him because Arsenal have young centre backs and Manchester United aren’t a harmonious club right now.
“Would Man United be a good move just because they’re a bigger club than Palace at this stage of his career? He would want to go somewhere he can find stability and play in a consistent manner. Liverpool would be a fantastic place for him.”
Curtis Jones Would Be Deserving Of An England Call Up
England are missing out on a “no brainer” if Gareth Southgate fails to include 23-year-old Curtis Jones in a senior squad ahead of the 2024 European Championships, according to Liverpool’s assistant manager Pep Lijnders. During an interview with ITV Sport after the win, Klopp commented: “Curtis is in a great moment for us. He’s super important in different departments for us.
“He’s a very good player and he’s kind of a role model as well for all our academy guys. Coming up from the academy, all our boys are good footballers, all of them. Otherwise they would not go through all the different age groups.
“If Curtis Jones can learn defending, everybody can learn defending! This high press, this intensity, he is setting the rhythm for us.”
Barnes has been impressed with the form of Curtis Jones this season which comes off the back of a strong end to the last season and playing a key role in the England U21’s triumph at the Euro Championships.
“Curtis Jones has been fantastic in terms of his form for Liverpool and the way that he’s been playing. He’s been asked to play in different positions. As an attacking midfielder, as a number six, holding midfielder and he’s done very well.
“Him being called up to the England squad depends on the makeup of the entire squad as a whole and the makeup of the midfield. “Is Gareth Southgate looking for a number six or a number eight?
“He’s been great as both but England are doing well with the players they already have. So I won’t agree with Pep Lijnders that it’s a no brainers but he’s worth a call up. A no brainer is probably too far but he’s been in fine form and would be deserving.”
Jones is priced at 6/1 on Sky Bet to be included in the England squad for the European Championships this summer, and be sure to use the Sky Bet sign-up offer when signing up to this popular bookmaker, as you can get a sizeable amount in free bets from an easy-to-follow qualifying criteria.
Barnes Unsure Who Will Win Kimmich Race
Manchester City and Liverpool are keeping a close eye on Joshua Kimmich’s situation at his current club. Last week, Barnes expressed his admiration for Kimmich, stating that the German player would be an excellent addition to the Reds. However, Barnes is also mindful of City’s requirement for a number 6, especially after Kalvin Phillips left on loan, leaving Guardiola’s team with only Rodri in that position.
“City have Rodri in that position and we only have Bajcetic who is a young player and hasn’t played a full season.
“On the face of it, either club would need and benefit from signing Kimmich. Whilst Bajctetic has been earmarked for a defensive midfield role in the future, Kimmich coming in would be a good move.”
