'Brilliant': McManaman highlights hidden benefit from Liverpool's right-back struggles after Brighton moment
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Curtis Jones' Brighton Display Showed Benefit of Playing Him at Right-Back for Liverpool - McManaman
In Liverpool's commanding 3-0 victory over Brighton in the FA Cup fourth round at Anfield, Curtis Jones stole the spotlight, scoring the opener and highlighting why deploying him at right-back could solve the club's defensive woes, according to former Reds star Steve McManaman
The academy product, starting his first match in six amid speculation over his future following Inter Milan interest, was tasked with right-back duties due to Liverpool's injury crisis in that position. Despite the positional shift, Jones ghosted into the six-yard box in the 42nd minute to expertly half-volley home Milos Kerkez's whipped cross, nestling it into the roof of the net off the bar. It marked his first goal in over a year, ending a 57-match drought since Boxing Day 2024 against Leicester.[3][4][5] McManaman praised Jones' "brilliant" display, noting a hidden benefit: his midfield instincts allow him to surge forward dynamically, unlike traditional full-backs hampered by Liverpool's ongoing right-back struggles. "Playing Curtis there unlocks his attacking threat while covering defensively – it's a gamble that paid off handsomely," the ex-England international highlighted post-match.[1][6] Dominik Szoboszlai doubled the lead in the 56th minute with his fifth goal in eight games, capping a fluid move to reach double figures for the season. Mohamed Salah sealed the win from the penalty spot in the 68th minute, his second club goal since November and seventh overall, signaling improved form after his Arne Slot fallout and Africa Cup of Nations stint. Salah's celebratory chest-thump before the Kop hinted at renewed harmony in the post-Slot era setup.[1][3][4] The first half was cagey, with Alisson Becker denying early threats and a Cody Gakpo goal ruled out for offside. Post-interval, Liverpool dominated, with Alisson clawing away Lewis Dunk's header to preserve the clean sheet. Jones' versatility proved Arne Slot's gamble spot-on, easing into the fifth round while sparking debate on his best role amid right-back injuries.[5][6] (Word count: 298)