Gary Neville on Curtis Jones at Right Back: Temporary Fix or Tactical Move? | OneFootball

Curtis Jones at Right Back? Tactical Flexibility or Temporary Fix?

Tactical Tweaks and Local Loyalty

Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Everton in the Merseyside derby was decisive on the scoreboard, but it also raised tactical eyebrows—particularly with the unexpected deployment of Curtis Jones at right back. For many fans, it was a surprise to see a central midfielder fill in for an injured Conor Bradley, but as Gary Neville put it bluntly on the Gary Neville Podcast, “I’m going to be quite ruthless here… the idea that Curtis Jones can play full back, I think remains to be seen.”

It wasn’t a swashbuckling attacking display from Jones, but it didn’t need to be. Everton posed minimal attacking threat, and Jones kept things steady. The 24-year-old’s positional intelligence, composure in tight areas, and ability to carry the ball out of defence gave Liverpool an attacking edge without severely compromising their shape. It was, if anything, a pragmatic decision from Arne Slot—one made in the context of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence and the increasing utility value needed in a squad chasing multiple trophies.

Slot’s Selection and Quansah’s Omission

With Conor Bradley sidelined and Trent still out, Slot’s full-back options were limited. The debate was seemingly between Jarell Quansah—a centre-half by trade who has experience at right back—and Jones. Neville speculated that “Quansah may even play on Sunday at Fulham, just purely because [it’s] away from home and the idea of doing a lot more defending.”

It’s this line of thinking that showcases the nuance in Slot’s approach. At home against an Everton side likely to sit back, Jones’s creativity was preferred. But away to Fulham, under greater defensive pressure, Slot might opt for a more traditional, physically dominant defender.

The choice reveals something deeper about Slot’s tactical mind—he’s less interested in rigid roles and more invested in profiles that suit match scenarios. That might explain why Jones, known more for his link-up play and ball retention, found himself patrolling the touchline.

Curtis Jones: Long-Term Full-Back or Emergency Plug?

The notion of Jones reinventing himself as a right back is still premature. “There’s no doubt there are games where Curtis Jones could play right back,” Neville acknowledged, but the former Manchester United defender seemed unconvinced that this could be a permanent shift.

Liverpool fans have seen such transformations before. Trent Alexander-Arnold essentially redefined the modern full-back role, so it’s not inconceivable that Jones could carve out his own hybrid path. Still, this move feels more circumstantial than evolutionary—born from injury necessity rather than design.

What can’t be denied is that Jones has always been a player willing to adapt. Whether deployed in a pressing midfield role, or now as a makeshift defender, he brings a high football IQ and Scouse steel that has kept him on the fringes of the first team under different managers.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, the notion of Curtis Jones as a right back feels both exciting and unconvincing. On one hand, we’ve watched him grow into a versatile and mature player under Klopp, and now Slot. His tactical awareness, passing, and calm under pressure are traits that can translate to various positions—but right back?

Against Everton, it worked. But it worked because Everton were passive. No rapid wingers, no overlap threats. Against top six sides, or even mid-table outfits with aggressive wide players, Jones could be brutally exposed. That said, the way he stepped into the role deserves applause. He didn’t shrink from the responsibility.

What’s also worth noting is how this move might fit into Slot’s overall vision. At Feyenoord, Slot prized adaptability. If he’s trying to build a Liverpool side that’s fluid and unpredictable, then asking players like Jones to stretch their comfort zones makes perfect sense.

In short, Jones isn’t the answer at right back—but he might be part of the answer.