Danny Murphy has sparked debate after dismissing a suggestion that Curtis Jones could be a long-term option at right-back for Liverpool, calling the suggestion “baffling”.
There were a few interesting talking points to emerge from Liverpool’s win against Everton midweek.. As usual, refereeing decisions grabbed the headlines, with James Tarkowski’s challenge on Alexis Mac Allister deserving a red card and some fans arguing that Liverpool’s goal should’ve been disallowed.
However, beyond the controversial officiating, Arne Slot’s tactical decision to deploy Jones at right-back stood out. And credit where it’s due—Jones was superb in this unfamiliar role, showcasing his versatility and adding an unexpected dimension to Liverpool’s play.
However, speaking on Inside Liverpool, Murphy has dismissed the notion of Jones having a long-term future as a full-back. The pundit urged those suggesting such a move to calm down and not get ahead of themselves. Murphy firmly believes that Jones will remain a key player for Liverpool in his natural midfield role, adding that anyone advocating for him to play right-back in the future should “behave themselves.”
“I think Curtis Jones is going to be a key player for Liverpool, but not as a full-back by the way” said the former Reds midfielder. “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.
“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.”
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On being deployed on the right-hand side of defence by the head coach and how he handled the task, the 24-year-old said: “Of course I want to play eight or 10 – or false nine or off the left or anything like that – [but] I just want to go and play and help the team as much as I can.
“They were going long all the time so I was finding myself at the back a lot, at the back post, and I was clearing things, I was stopping shots and crosses and things like that. That’s part of the game and part of a right-back as well. He has trusted me in there so I have to do a job.”
Jones’ long-term future shouldn’t be at full-back, as that would do a disservice to his talents in midfield. However, there’s no reason why he couldn’t serve as a valuable backup at right-back for Liverpool in the future, even if he’s not first-choice. Against Everton, Jones demonstrated that he’s capable of playing at right-back, and his stats from the game were quite impressive. While his natural position remains central midfield, his adaptability could make him a useful option for Liverpool when required.
