Curtis Jones Masterclass: Liverpool’s Midfield Dilemma Grows | OneFootball

Curtis Jones’ Rise: A Dilemma for Arne Slot After Chelsea Masterclass

Only fools don’t rate him. Curtis Jones has had a week to remember, both on and off the pitch. With the birth of his daughter and a standout performance in Liverpool’s 3-1 victory against Chelsea, Jones has now made a strong case for a regular starting spot in Arne Slot’s side. Slot, known for his tactical acumen, now faces a delightful yet challenging dilemma: how does he fit Jones into a midfield that’s already brimming with talent?

Jones Grabs His Chance

Going into the game, the midfield pecking order seemed firmly established. Slot’s preferred trio of Gravenberch, Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai had dominated much of the season. Mac Allister, had he been fully fit, would likely have started in this crucial clash against Chelsea. Curtis Jones, with only about 250 minutes of football to his name this season before the Chelsea match, had largely been on the fringes. However, his impressive late cameo against Crystal Palace seemed to offer a glimpse of what was to come.

Against Chelsea, Jones didn’t just take his opportunity — he grabbed it with both hands. His stats from the game tell a story of a player who dominated every aspect of the match. He scored a goal, won a penalty, completed 90% of his passes, and contributed significantly in both attack and defence. Here’s a closer look at his numbers:

These numbers paint the picture of an all-action midfielder, and Jones was rightly named Man of the Match. His ability to combine defensive discipline with offensive creativity adds a new dimension to Liverpool’s midfield.

The Midfield Puzzle for Slot

With Mac Allister nearing full fitness and Jones staking his claim, Arne Slot now finds himself with four midfielders, all deserving of a starting place. It’s a problem most managers would love to have, but it does raise questions about how Liverpool’s midfield will look in the coming weeks. Gravenberch has been a reliable presence and one of the stars of the season. Mac Allister offers experience, quality, and versatility, while Szoboszlai’s dynamism has been crucial to Liverpool’s high-intensity play. However, Jones was without doubt the most effective of them all in the Chelsea game, giving Slot something to think about.

Jones’ own words after the match reflect his understanding of the role he plays for the team:

It’s clear that Jones sees himself as an all-round midfielder, capable of contributing in both boxes. That kind of versatility is invaluable, especially in the Premier League, where games can be won or lost in the midfield battle.

A Player at the Peak of Confidence

It’s been a monumental week for Jones, not just professionally but personally as well. The birth of his daughter has added a layer of joy and motivation, and his performances on the pitch have mirrored that positivity. To produce such a commanding display in one of Liverpool’s biggest matches of the season shows a player at the peak of his confidence. Jones isn’t just knocking on the door for more regular playing time; he’s kicking it down.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s immediate challenge will be how to accommodate all four midfielders without disrupting the balance of the team. Does he rotate the midfield more frequently? Or does he stick with the trio that has brought Liverpool success so far, even if it means leaving Jones out?

What’s Next for Jones and Liverpool?

Looking ahead, Jones’ resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time. With a packed schedule of Premier League and Champions League matches, depth in midfield will be essential. Slot has spoken highly of Jones in the past, and with performances like the one against Chelsea, it’s hard to see him being left out of the starting XI for long. As Liverpool chase silverware on multiple fronts, all four midfielders will likely be needed.

So, whose the starting three in the middle for you right now? Curtis Jones has emerged as a vital cog in the machine. His form, energy, and determination to impress will ensure that Slot has some difficult decisions to make in the coming weeks.