Ryan Gravenberch explains how Curtis Jones helps him excel in midfield role

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Ryan Gravenberch has praised Curtis Jones‘ influence on Liverpool, explaining how the Scouser complements his game in midfield.Gravenberch was one of Liverpool’s standout performers in their title-winning campaign, and while his form hasn’t dropped off a cliff this season, he has been part of a wider malaise.The Dutchman has spent more time running beyond the ball this season, rather than just sitting as a holding midfielder.While this suits the individual’s game, it has been a contributing factor to Liverpool being left exposed at times.Now, with Jones back in the team and plugging some of those gaps, Gravenberch has told All Red Video how he feels more comfortable playing alongside the homegrown Red.Asked if it feels more suited to the current state of play to have extra help from Jones in midfield, Gravenberch responded: “Yeah, of course.“I know Curtis, he loves to take the ball and dribble from the back.“He’s really comfortable and almost never loses the ball so it’s really nice to play with him. It gives you like more confidence to bring the ball forward.” Liverpool’s midfield may be functioning better now, but there are still obvious problems when it comes to seeing out leads.The second half against Wolves saw the Premier League‘s basement dwellers produce more than double Liverpool’s xG tally, according to FotMob.“I think we can do a bit better in the second half,” Gravenberch added.“Of course we play a lot of games, players get tired, but I think if you get tired, you have to keep the ball and not go forward always.“I think we could do better and then just keep the ball and just let them run, and they will get tired from that, and then find the right moment. We didn’t do it but I think we have to keep working on that.”Gravenberch was the man to open Liverpool’s account on Saturday, slotting accurately past Jose Sa to put Liverpool 1-0 up at Anfield, and having scored, he paid tribute to Diogo Jota with his former teammate’s shark celebration.The 23-year-old said: “We know he played for us and also for Wolves, two teams that he played in England.“It was nice to have his kids as well as mascots. So yeah, we wanted to give him something back today and hopefully he’s happy with us taking the three points.”