Liverpool praised by former player for sacrificing popular midfielder for academy pathways

Michael Owen has praised a transfer move that some Liverpool fans weren’t sure about back in the summer.

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Fans don’t like it when clubs sell off their favourite academy stars, but in this case Liverpool have been praised for their foresight by their former player Michael Owen.

The man in question is Curtis Jones, who had been a useful and popular squad player for the Reds over the years. He went to Inter Milan in a move that many supporters though Liverpool would regret. Instead, Owen has pointed out that it’s created space for other youngsters to come through.

Owen praises Liverpool moves after busy summer

“I think there are a couple of good youngsters and it is not the worst thing to trim your squad players and bring them through and try, you don’t want to block a pathway,” Owen pointed out in quotes picked up by TeamTalk.

“I wouldn’t have thought they needed to buy squad players. If they can sign someone to come straight in, then fantastic, but I think the young kids coming through are good enough.”

With no direct replacement signed at teh time, Jones’ departure has created more chances for the likes of Trey Nyoni and James McConnell. Andoni Iraola seems more than willing to give young academy players chances.

“The hard thing for any club is you try to strengthen and you need a really good player to become available to do that,” Owen continued.

“I would be more concerned: how much do you want to spend? Just be concerned to get them purring again and let’s get them playing well again.”