Curtis Jones, a Liverpool midfielder, started in England’s 1-0 victory against Andorra on Saturday evening, and supporters have spoken out. Manager Thomas Tuchel fielded an unusual starting lineup at the Estadi Nacional, with Jordan Henderson, Noni Madueke, and Morgan Rogers all starting right away.
The notable selection, however, was Jones, who slid in on the right side of the back four despite the fact that Reece James was on the left and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, and Trevor Chalobah were all on the bench – more natural positions for those players. Following an underwhelming performance, viewers weighed in on the 24-year-old’s attempts.
Jones Impresses Fans in New Position
The Premier League winner was one of the few bright sparks on the evening
Despite Jones’ name appearing on the team sheet in defence, Tuchel stated in his pre-match interview that he preferred the midfielder to operate further up the pitch in possession, coming inside to function as an extra number eight in the middle of the park.
That is precisely what Jones did, and his increased ingenuity was on display, frequently picking out players who attempted to make runs in behind the defence (on rare instances), while also keeping things tidy as the visitors worked to gradually demolish the hosts.
Jones completed 97% of his passes in 81 minutes on the field and produced two great chances, one of which led to the opening goal as he slid through Harry Kane, who stabbed in on the second attempt.
Jones also performed admirably defensively, winning five of his seven duels and making three tackles without being dribbled past. While the opposition was not particularly difficult for a player in an odd position, supporters were eager to congratulate the Liverpudlian.
“I know it’s only Andorra, but Curtis Jones has been fantastic, by far the greatest player on the pitch. “Curtis Jones is very underrated,” said one admirer on social media, while another added, “He more than holds his own in this England.”
A third tweeted, “Well done Curtis Jones, great display,” while a fourth said, “Curtis Jones, you have changed my life.”
The performance has raised concerns about Jones’ former Liverpool teammate Alexander-Arnold’s future, as he prepares to join Real Madrid. With Tuchel declaring that he already knows 16 individuals who will accompany him to the 2026 World Cup, does his dependence on Jones imply that the new Madridista needs to do more to secure a ticket on the plane?
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