‘One of the Best Technical Players I’ve Ever Played With’ – Micah Richards Shares Daniel Sturridge’s Praise for Curtis Jones
Micah Richards shares Daniel Sturridge’s glowing praise for Curtis Jones after the Liverpool midfielder’s standout England debut against Greece.
Micah Richards has shared some incredible praise for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, calling his performance against Greece in the Nations League “one of the best England debuts” he’s ever seen. Jones didn’t just help England secure a 3-0 win—he finished the game in style with a clever backheel goal.
Richards, a former Manchester City star, was amazed by the 23-year-old’s performance and revealed what former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge had to say about Jones.
On the podcast The Rest is Football, Richards talked about how impressive Jones was while playing in the deep midfield role, also known as the pivot. Richards said, “We don’t often see players in England who can play in that position so well. Curtis Jones was extraordinary. That was one of the best England debuts I’ve ever seen.”
He highlighted how Jones constantly made himself available for passes and played with confidence. Richards explained that Jones didn’t try to do too much—like dribbling past opponents or making risky passes—but instead stayed calm, kept possession, and made smart plays.
“His body positioning was perfect, and he always wanted the ball. Playing in that role is more about being reliable and fearless, and he showed both. It really showed his character,” Richards added.
Richards then revealed a private conversation he had with his former teammate, Daniel Sturridge, who knows Jones from his time at Liverpool. According to Richards, Sturridge said Jones is “one of the best technical players I’ve ever played with.”
Richards believes Jones is now proving that on the pitch more consistently, thanks to the confidence he’s gained from playing regularly for Liverpool and now England.
Richards wasn’t the only one impressed. Football legend and co-host Gary Lineker also praised Jones’ debut. Lineker said, “Curtis Jones was excellent. He didn’t lose the ball, created chances, and topped it off with that brilliant backheel goal. He looked so comfortable on the ball and showed great creativity.”
