Curtis Jones impressed in his first ever start at Right-Back as Liverpool defeated Everton at Anfield in midweek. Was this simply a tactical move to unlock Everton’s defensive block, or are Arne Slot and Richard Hughes looking for ‘versatile players’ rather than signing new players.
Impressive performance at Right-Back but it’s only Everton
“I played there in an important game and I think I was alright.”
Curtis Jones himself summarized exactly how we all felt.
To be thrown into a new position in a Merseyside Derby and come out without major errors whilst also contributing offensively is impressive.
This was just a one time solution however right?
Concerning Press Conference Reveal
In his Pre-Fulham press conference Arne Slot revealed that prior to the Everton match, he and Richard Hughes discussed ‘the value of versatile players for the upcoming summer’
When asked about Curtis Jones’ versatility, Slot replied:
That’s very useful for me. Of course me and Richard [Hughes] talk a lot about this season and next season. It’s nice to have versatile players that play in multiple positions and Curtis is definitely one of them. If I play him again on Sunday [at Right-Back], it’s not a one time show for yourself because consistency is the thing that brings you from good to great
Here, Arne Slot reveals two things. That he is in discussion with the Board about which ‘versatile’ players can fill the obvious gaps we all see. And also that Curtis Jones may very well continue to feature at Right-Back in future.
Plans to use Curtis Jones as a Backup Right Back next season
Its is concerning to hear a manager reveal that he and his Sporting Director have discussed ‘versatile players’ already within the squad. That, is a sure sign that they are trying to figure out which positions don’t require new singings.
Curtis Jones did well at Right Back but surely he isn’t considered as a long-term solution to the inevitable Trent Alexander-Arnold departure.
Arne Slot then discussed the value of ‘consistency’ for Curtis Jones in this ‘new position’
Liverpool don’t be cheap
We are Liverpool Football Club. We are the biggest, soon to be indisputably the most successful club in English Football.
If you have been unable to keep Trent Alexander-Arnold at the club, then please don’t go and start replacing World-Class players with those ‘that can do the job’
Perhaps Right-Back isn’t Arne Slot’s number one on the priority list which is understandable given the potential of Conor Bradley. But it has to be priority number two or three.
Liverpool have benefited massively by having Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, some of the best Full-Backs in class for many seasons. Both are nearing ever closer to their eventual departures.
Now is not the time to look for sub-standard solutions in a position that is crucial in both the way Liverpool defend and attack.
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