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Arne Slot Confirms Plan for Curtis Jones After Liverpool Team News
about 1 year agoGB
### **[H2] Introduction**
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed a notable lineup change for the upcoming Merseyside derby against Everton, deploying midfielder Curtis Jones in an unfamiliar right-back role due to injuries affecting the squad. This decision comes alongside the absence of first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Key Insights
[H2] Key Insights
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Curtis Jones at Right-Back: Arne Slot confirmed Jones will start at right-back against Everton due to injuries to Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, and Bradley's lack of full fitness.
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Why this matters: Highlights Liverpool's current injury challenges in defence and Slot's trust in Jones's versatility and technical ability for a crucial derby match.
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Previous Experience: Jones previously started at right-back (and captained) against Leicester in the Carabao Cup (Sept 2023), receiving praise from former manager Jurgen Klopp for his performance.
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Why this matters: Provides context that this isn't a completely untested role for Jones, potentially easing fan concerns.
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Slot's Rationale: The manager cited Jones's comfort on the ball as a key factor in the decision.
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Why this matters: Indicates a tactical preference for ball-playing ability even in defensive positions, potentially influencing Liverpool's build-up play.
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Alisson Out: Goalkeeper Alisson Becker misses the match after failing a late concussion protocol test.
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Why this matters: Caoimhin Kelleher starts in goal, a significant change for a derby game, though Kelleher has performed reliably when called upon.
In-Depth Analysis
[H2] In-Depth Analysis
Liverpool faces an injury situation at right-back ahead of the crucial Merseyside derby against Everton, with regular choices Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez sidelined, and backup Conor Bradley not yet at full match fitness. This has led manager Arne Slot to make a somewhat surprising tactical decision.
Slot has confirmed that midfielder Curtis Jones will fill the right-back slot. The manager explained the choice, stating, "That's one of the reasons why I chose Curtis at full-back," referencing the need to perform better with the ball compared to a previous tight derby match. This suggests Slot values Jones's composure and technical skill in possession, even in a defensive role.
This isn't entirely uncharted territory for the 24-year-old Scouser. Jones notably started at right-back, and captained the side, in a Carabao Cup match against Leicester in September 2023. His performance then drew praise from Jurgen Klopp, who called it "super special" and highlighted Jones's football intelligence. Statistics from that game support his capability: Jones completed 100% of his dribbles, achieved 96% pass accuracy, won three duels, and made two key passes, two interceptions, and a tackle (via Sofascore).
Further complicating team selection, goalkeeper Alisson Becker is unavailable after failing to clear concussion protocols following a late check. Caoimhin Kelleher, who has impressed this season, steps in. Slot acknowledged Kelleher's quality, remarking he is "maybe too good to be Ali’s backup."
The deployment of Jones at right-back is a significant decision for a high-stakes match like the Merseyside derby, testing both the player's adaptability and Slot's tactical flexibility under pressure.
FAQs
[H2] FAQs
Why is Curtis Jones playing at right-back for Liverpool?
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A: Liverpool manager Arne Slot selected Jones for the right-back position in the Merseyside derby due to injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez, and Conor Bradley not being fully fit. Slot cited Jones's ability on the ball as a key reason.
Has Curtis Jones played at right-back before?
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A: Yes, Jones has prior experience at right-back. He started and captained the team in the role against Leicester in the Carabao Cup in September 2023, earning praise from former manager Jurgen Klopp. He also had brief substitute appearances there in the 2020/21 season against Arsenal and Brighton.
Why is Alisson Becker not in the squad?
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A: Alisson is absent because he did not pass a late concussion protocol test before the match. Caoimhin Kelleher starts in goal instead.
Key Takeaways
[H2] Takeaways for Readers
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Tactical Flexibility: Expect to see Curtis Jones potentially adopting an inverted role from right-back, contributing to midfield play when Liverpool are in possession.
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Defensive Test: Jones's defensive capabilities will be tested in a high-pressure derby environment against Everton's wingers.
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Goalkeeping Confidence: While Alisson's absence is a blow, Kelleher has proven himself a capable replacement this season.
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Injury Impact: This lineup highlights the current strain on Liverpool's squad depth, particularly in defence.
Discussion
Do you think Curtis Jones will excel in the right-back role against Everton? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
*Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!*
Sources & References
[H2] Sources & References
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Source 2: What happened when Curtis Jones last played right-back for Liverpool - Empire of the Kop *(Note: Link derived from context, assumed base URL)*
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