Michael Owen has backed Liverpool’s decision not to sign a Curtis Jones replacement after the midfielder left Anfield for Inter Milan this summer.
Jones, 25, had been a useful squad player for the Reds, although he did not establish himself as a regular starter. Liverpool nevertheless chose not to rush into the transfer market after his departure.
Owen believes the decision could give younger players an opportunity to develop rather than blocking their path with another squad signing.
Michael Owen backs Liverpool’s midfield approach
“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 said.
The former Liverpool forward added: “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.”
Owen also said that strengthening the squad depended on a high-quality player becoming available, rather than simply bringing in a replacement for the sake of it.
“The hard thing for any club is you try to strengthen and you need a really good player to become available to do that,” he said.
He suggested Liverpool’s priority should be to restore their best form, rather than spend heavily on a player who may not significantly improve the team.
“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,” Owen said.
Liverpool may still make changes in midfield in the future, with Lamine Camara linked as a potential target and doubts reported over Alexis Mac Allister’s position at the club. For now, however, Owen feels the existing young players can help cover the gap left by Jones.
