Liverpool beat Everton in the Merseyside derby this week, and there were a few interesting talking points to come out of that game.
As ever, refereeing decisions dominated the headlines. James Tarkowski should’ve been sent off for his challenge on Alexis Mac Allister, while there’s an argument to make that Liverpool’s goal should’ve been disallowed.
Away from the refereeing calls though, Arne Slot made an interesting tactical decision at right-back.
Indeed, Curtis Jones started at right-back in this game, and Jones was fantastic in this new role it must be said.
However, speaking on Inside Liverpool, Danny Murphy has refuted the idea that Jones has a long-term future at full-back, telling anyone suggesting such a thing to calm down and not get carried away.
Danny Murphy baffled by Curtis Jones at right-back suggestion
Murphy discussed the idea of Jones having a long-term future at right-back.
The pundit said that Jones will be a key player for Liverpool in his natural midfield role, claiming that people touting him to play at right-back in the future need to behave themselves.
“I think Curtis Jones is going to be a key player for Liverpool, but not as a full-back by the way. I heard some of the commentators saying that maybe he could fill Trent’s boots, come on, behave yourself. I think some of his best qualities are higher up the pitch now,” Murphy said.
“Arne has given him the license to play further forward than Jurgen did, he has great feet, and I think those numbers will go up as his confidence goes up in terms of goals and assists.”
Curtis Jones stats vs Everton
Jones’ long-term future shouldn’t be at full-back – that would be a disservice to his abilities in the midfield.
However, there’s no reason why Jones can’t be something of a full-back option for Liverpool in the years to come – even if he’s third or fourth choice.
Jones showed against Everton that he is capable of playing at right-back, and his stats from the game were quite impressive.
| Curtis Jones stats vs Everton | |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Blocked shots | 1 |
| Long balls | 7 |
| Pass success rate | 93% |
Jones didn’t exactly pull up any trees, but the reality is that, unless your name is Trent Alexander-Arnold, when you’re playing at full-back, you don’t have to make headlines, you just have to be steady.
Jones could be used at right-back again in the future if Liverpool find themselves in a desperate situation.
