In the midst of the controversy surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s transfer to Real Madrid, Curtis Jones’ encouraging performance as a substitute right-back in Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Everton provided much-needed relief for Arne Slot.
The sole alteration made to Slot’s squad after they lost to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final was the addition of the versatile Englishman to replace the injured Jarell Quansah. Additionally, he covered for Alexander-Arnold, who was sidelined due to an ankle injury while rumours about his future erupted.
Slot turned to Jones as Conor Bradley missed time due to a hamstring injury. The 24-year-old did well in the situation and showed his versatility by making a number of crucial tackles.
Curtis Jones’ versatility was crucial to his Derby victory.
The midfielder for Liverpool is turning into Arne Slot’s go-to guy.
Jones’ diligence and commitment to the team have made him a popular among Liverpool supporters. His growth at Anfield was hindered by injury issues, but he is now healthy and “willing to play anywhere” for his boyhood club.
Slot put this to the test during a high-stress match in a Merseyside derby where his Reds needed to recover from losing the Carabao Cup final and tumbling out of the Champions League.
One of his team’s best players, Jones put in a respectable shift that aided the home team in winning. Only Ryan Gravenberch was able to regain control six times, and he was essentially flawless in possession and strong in duels.
Jones will be keen to return to his midfield position, but given Alexander-Arnold’s apparent departure, he might be utilised at right back in the final stretch. Slot used the club’s academy graduate as a full-back because he wanted his team to “be better with the ball,” and it worked out perfectly.
Liverpool Supporters Are Excited by Jones’ Performance
He was praised on social media.
The Kop were thrilled with the Liverpool-born-and-bred midfielder’s outing, and one fan was blown away:
“This Curtis Jones performance is honestly so special to me you don’t understand. I can’t believe a player like this was produced on Merseyside. The confidence. The poise. The football intelligence. The football arrogance. He’s everything I want in a player.”
Jones has started breaking into the senior team at international level, earning four caps for England. He’s impressed for the Three Lions and one fan was full of praise for his display in the Merseyside derby:
“What a player Curtis Jones is.”
Other fans gave similar positive reactions to his display, with one just happy he didn’t stand out like a ‘sore thumb’:
“Good for Jones for not sticking out like a sore thumb at right-back so far.”
“Decent” was the verdict from another Reds supporter while another wanted to make a ‘special mention‘ of the Englishman. He has caught the eye with consistency this season. Another excellent outing in an unfamiliar right-back role has only further cemented his status as one of the Kop’s favourites.
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