Arne Slot, Liverpool’s manager, has spoken about Curtis Jones’ best position on the field, describing him as most effective playing as a number eight midfielder. Slot highlighted that Jones’ ideal role is alongside or just ahead of a number six, which allows him some freedom to express himself during the game. This tactical setup helps Jones maximize his skill set, which includes both defensive and attacking abilities.
Jones has struggled to cement a regular starting position in previous seasons under Jürgen Klopp but has seen a resurgence this season under Slot’s management. Slot mentioned that keeping things simple and giving Jones clear responsibilities helped him become a more effective midfielder for Liverpool. Jones has featured in more starts this season and contributed with goals and assists, reflecting his improved impact on the team.
Jones’ development under Slot has also been recognized at the international level, having recently earned his first senior England caps and scored on his debut. His passing accuracy, movement, and ability to operate in various midfield roles are key attributes that have been emphasized by Slot and noted in tactical analyses.
Overall, the combination of Jones’ versatile skill set, positional freedom as a number eight, and a supporting defensive midfielder allows him to be both creative and industrious, underpinning his importance in Liverpool’s midfield setup under Arne Slot.