STAR OF THE DAY: Curtis Jones shares why he played ‘with a smile’ for Liverpool in West Ham’s 5-1 win

Liverpool beat West Ham 5-1 at Anfield last night in the League Cup. Curtis Jones was back in the starting lineup.

The 23-year-old midfielder started for the first time this season after coming off the bench for the Reds in their last two Premier League games. Jones had a rough start under new boss Arne Slot because he was hurt.

(THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Curtis Jones of Liverpool during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and West Ham United at An...

Even though he hasn’t played much this season, Jones did great at Anfield last night. The England youth international set up a goal, and Liverpool easily beat a 10-man West Ham team on Merseyside.

Jones has now said why he was happy while playing for the Reds last night.

Jones is glad to be playing for Liverpool again after missing time with an injury

Jones told Sky Sports after the game that he was glad to be back playing after being hurt for a while. The Liverpool academy product looked at ease playing in the middle with Wataru Endo against the Irons.

He was asked how happy he was to be back playing for Liverpool against West Ham. Jones replied, “I just want to play.” It was tough because I got hurt and other things, but now I’m better and happy to play games again.

With Jones and Diogo Jota in a good mood after the game, the midfielder getting excited about Liverpool again could be huge going into the busy season ahead, when every first-team player will be important for Slot.

(THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Curtis Jones of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on August 23, 2024 in Kirkby, England.

Given how much Jones seems to improve every season for Liverpool, the player getting his spark back could help the Reds have a great first year with Slot in charge, where winning the League Cup again would be huge.

Jones might play a big part for Liverpool this year.

Jones, 23, is a unique player for Liverpool because he can play almost anywhere in any part if Slot needs him to. Jones is a 23-year-old England youth international.

This means that Jones could become an important player for the Dutch coach if something happened to Alexis Mac Allister or Ryan Gravenberch. Jones would be the first person Liverpool would look to when they have a problem in the middle of the pitch.

The 23-year-old is now fully fit and showed against West Ham that he can be a top player for Liverpool again this season. Jones will want to show Slot how valuable he is now that he has his smile back on the pitch.