Curtis Jones' UEFA Youth League influence explained
Barry Lewtas has praised the influence of Curtis Jones on Liverpool's UEFA Youth League journey so far this season.
The 18-year-old was made captain of the U23s for 2019-20 by Neil Critchley and U18s boss Lewtas has followed suit by handing him the armband at U19 level.
Jones is set to be a key figure for the Reds as they head to Belgium on Wednesday afternoon to face a Genk side who have also started well in the Youth League.
After a 1-1 draw with Salzburg in their opening game, Genk then beat Napoli 3-1 last time out - and Lewtas is under no illusions as to the task his team face.
Liverpool have also collected four points - they followed up a 1-1 draw at Napoli by overcoming a tricky test to eventually beat Salzburg 4-2 - but the manager wants an improvement in their overall performance.
Ahead of the 1pm BST kick-off on Wednesday, read Lewtas' thoughts on the trip to Genk, the influence of Jones and the Youth League campaign so far below…
On Wednesday's meeting with Genk in Belgium…
I always say it's an exciting competition to be in. The home games, especially at St Helens, have all been exciting and there is always something special and different about travelling away in a European tie. These are fantastic experiences for the players and the staff. It should be a really exciting game. Genk have got a really good team and they have started the group really well. I'm also pleased with where we are in terms of the points total, so it should be a good game.
On the thrilling comeback to beat Salzburg 4-2 in their last Youth League outing…
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We have to be honest and there were certain moments where we had to stay in the game and believe. We managed to survive, we stayed in it, we defended it well enough at times when we blocked, we cleared and our goalkeeper made some saves. Credit to the opposition because in this competition you come up against some good teams, so we have got to get used to that. As the game went on it's probably a trait of what we are about as an Academy because we don't give up, we keep trying to play and keep trying to find a way. In the end we weathered the storm and the last 15 minutes was probably the part of the game everybody will remember. It got us the points but we are all honest as staff and as players and we know we need to be better.
On the displays of Jones…
Curtis is playing extremely well for the U23s. He is playing a big part in what they are trying to do and obviously he is a big influence in the dressing room, a positive one. I thought it was right to give him the armband. The goal he got for us against Salzburg came at a good time for us and that was probably the difference in that game as well because we were extremely clinical. Scoring goals from midfield is something Curtis wants to add to his game, which he is doing. I am really pleased for him.
On Rhian Brewster netting against Salzburg in his first appearance for the U19s this season…
There is a really good mix we have in the U19s group. If Rhian plays for us then great but if he is with the first team then fantastic. It's kind of a win-win for us because if he is with the first team then we are over the moon for him and obviously we want to support the first team. Someone else will then get an opportunity and there will be players ready to step up in the group and ready to take his place. It's great when Rhian is with us because he adds a bit of experience and obviously quality. He is a really good personality to have around the group for players and staff, so it's a real plus for us, but wherever he is needed on Wednesday that is more than fine with us.