How Curtis Jones Fits into Liverpool’s Evolving Midfield | OneFootball

Curtis Jones – Starter for Club & Country?

It was during the second half of the 2022/23 season, that I wrote an article stating it was time to give Curtis Jones an extended run in the Liverpool first team. That season was the notorious campaign where the regression heavy midfield group of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keïta, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Thiago Alcântara, were largely outshone by the Spanish teenager, Stefan Bajčetić.

From those in the senior group stated above, it was only the world-class abilities of the former Barcelona sensation, Thiago, who thrived during that largely disastrous spell. Despite the unbelievable levels (when the maestro was on the pitch), his own injury issues saw him succumb to the robust requirements of that year, whereas all others commonly failed to find anything close to their form of old. To my surprise and jubilation, the academy graduate of note, Curtis Jones, was finally awarded starting role towards the end of that term, one that was taken with both homegrown hands and to this day he has become a solid member of the first team squad.

Jones Surviving Liverpool’s Midfield Regeneration

Even now, there are many of the Liverpool fanbase who question the validity of the 23-year-old midfielder. Despite harnessing the ideologies of his former manager, Jürgen Klopp, as well as the methods of his new Head Coach, Arne Slot, it appears that some that would gladly see him sold on and replaced with something new and shiny.

I believe it is his football intelligence that shines brightest at the AXA Training Centre, something which combines perfectly with his marvellous skillset and on-pitch abilities. Within this new and continuing transitional stage on Merseyside, we are seeing an Anfield side which incorporates a midfield double pivot behind a roaming no.10. The summer requirement seemed to point towards a specialist no.6 being recruited, however, Richard Hughes’ endeavour to sign Real Sociedad’s star man, Martín Zubimendi, ended in failure and has thus created an opportunity for certain individuals to operate as a hybrid between the no.6 and no.8 positions.

As it stands, Alexis Mac Allister is the fulcrum of the Liverpool engine room, as the two roles that go alongside him are fought for between other assets. Ryan Gravenberch has had the most astounding bounce back season (so far), whilst Dominik Szoboszlai is at times thriving as a powerful and ball hungry attacking midfielder. Despite some unfair criticism this calendar year, the Hungarian skipper works tirelessly for his team and is vital to both on and off ball scenarios.

Regarding the reds dynamic no.23, Curtis Jones, he himself has the attributes, the physicality, and the footballing brain, to reach very fine levels in all three central roles. Versatility is demanded l more than ever before and that is why I believe the new England squad member has shown that for everyone he has played under.

Jones’ Latest England Call-Up

When Lee Carsley was promoted from the England under-21 post to the interim position of senior manager, it was only a matter of time before he called upon his former under-age captain. When the England under-21 team secured European glory at the 2023 Championships (1-0 final win over Spain), it was his then skipper, Curtis Jones, who appeared to be the experienced bedrock on which everything positive was able to flourish.

At that point in time, the 6ft 1inch talent was emerging as a first team regular for the Anfield giants, therefore, his prominent role under Carsley (during that tournament) was always likely to lead to a favourable bond between player and coach. What we know of the 50-year-old former Republic of Ireland midfielder, is that he enjoys a brand of football and control that is not too dissimilar to that of the reds own tactical coordinator, Arne Slot, thus allowing easier transition between club and international performances.

With an assurance and confidence on the ball to receive passes in tight situations, Curtis possesses a type of skill that can force a role within England’s new endeavour. The additional travel and extra games are always a worry within these international windows; however, I suspect that the call-up and honour of representing his country will see the former academy graduate, Jones, elevate himself even more so and become paramount to this season and many more than after.

Tactical instruction within the hall of the reds training centre will allow certain individuals to thrive under this era of new leadership. The importance of information absorption may well become vital to surviving this ongoing period of change, when new ideas and philosophies take grip of the squad that was once overseen by the illustrious German, Jürgen Klopp.

There will always be a first team elite and a starting eleven that is favoured by both the Head Coach and fanbase, though the hectic and demanding schedule of top-level football requires far more than the matchday squad we see week to week. Smart and ambitious players will be able to understand what is currently being built at Anfield, which is where I can see the £50m rated midfielder, Jones, becoming an important asset for his club.

The recognition and subsequent call up to the national side will only add fuel to the fire that is surely burning within the ambitious player, one who may finally emerge as the player I always thought he could be.

The uncapped midfielder may have had to depart this squad get together early; however, the first cap is hopefully incoming and one he can start to build upon.