In challenging moments, having reliable teammates ready to step up is crucial.
This season, Liverpool’s squad depth has faced criticism, particularly when the team’s performance has faltered. However, right under Arne Slot’s guidance, there are players capable of making a significant impact.
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The Reds’ bench typically includes promising academy graduate Rio Ngumoha, seasoned veteran Wataru Endo, backup winger Federico Chiesa, goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, and Curtis Jones.
Throughout the season, each of these players has had opportunities, but Jones is often favored due to his versatility and the high fitness demands of playing in the midfield. On the other hand, Alexis Mac Allister has frequently struggled to meet expectations.
In a recent match against Leeds, Slot opted to start Jones, who delivered an outstanding performance for a significant portion of the game.
Jones’ Versatility is Remarkable
The role next to Ryan Gravenberch in a double pivot entails more responsibility than typically perceived. They must support the center-backs, cover narrow channels up and down the pitch, assist in different attacking phases, and occasionally drop back into defense.
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For the entirety of the game, Jones executed all these tasks and even more. When the team was in possession, he took on a role alongside Marc Guehi, helping to advance the ball and set up plays, which allowed Milos Kerkez to express a more wide-ranging role.
Just before the 15-minute mark, he struck a looping effort from the edge of the area that hit the crossbar, and from that point on, he was actively involved in most attacking plays.
Dominik Szoboszlai, who typically plays this role for Slot, had to fill in on the right side due to the benching of both Mohamed Salah and Chiesa.
Over the course of the match, Jones registered two key passes, successfully completed three out of four long balls, made one dribble, one tackle, six recoveries, and won five out of seven duels. While he wasn’t flawless, he provided the kind of performance Liverpool desperately needed. His contributions were more than commendable.
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Eventually, Mac Allister was subbed into the game, but it was Florian Wirtz who made way, allowing Jones to stay on the pitch as a reward for his performance.
The match ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, with all six goals scored in the second half. Slot will have much to consider ahead of their midweek encounter with Inter Milan. However, Jones has earned more playing time, as he consistently impresses. There’s a lot of potential to build on.