Arne Slot has hinted Liverpool could look for more versatility in the upcoming transfer window, as he commended Curtis Jones for his standout display against Everton. Filling in at right-back due to injuries within the squad, Jones shone in the tight 1-0 victory at Anfield.
The 24-year-old has been somewhat of a utility player this season, taking on various roles across the midfield and even playing wide on the left side during the 2-2 stalemate with Aston Villa earlier in the year.
Slot lauded Jones’ adaptability and mindset, suggesting that such qualities are what Liverpool might look for in new recruits come June. “That’s very useful for me,” the Liverpool manager said about Jones’ ability to excel in different positions.
“Of course me and Richard (Hughes) talk a lot about this season and next season, and it is nice to have versatile players, players who can play in multiple positions and Curtis is definitely one of them.
“He has a skillset that he can defend and attack, and that’s why he can play in so many positions. And he has this mentality that if you give him a challenge, he likes to be challenged and yesterday was a challenge for him because it wasn’t his normal position.
“Some players hate to be challenged, they want to stay in their comfort zone but Curtis is the type of player who wants to be challenged. If you tell him he is playing the best English midfielder and want to see how he does against him, he is up for the challenge.”
“I didn’t ask him to stand up against Doucoure after the game (at Goodison) but he likes those challenges as well! Good to have him, now it’s up to him. Consistency is the thing that brings you from good to great so he has to show that if I play him Sunday.”
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Liverpool can take another step towards winning the title against Fulham on Sunday and Slot is unsure if Jones will keep his place. However, he did admit that Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez are not close to returning, although Conor Bradley could come back into contention.
“Trent and Joe will not be back in the upcoming weeks,” revealed Slot during Thursday’s press briefing. “Conor, we have to wait and see if he is ready to be with the squad for Sunday. Then of course Curtis is an option because he did well, but I think Jarell did well a few times in that position also.
“And with Ali, it is simple: it is a concussion and you have to tick all the boxes. The moment he does, he will be in goal. The moment he doesn’t, we are following the protocol.”
