Curtis Jones Becomes No.11 to Prove Liverpool Have Addressed Problem Arne Slot Couldn't Deny

Liverpool's Curtis Jones has emerged as the club's vital No.11 midfielder, filling a critical gap in Arne Slot's squad that the head coach initially struggled to resolve. Despite a promising preseason under Slot, Jones suffered a groin injury that sidelined him early in the campaign, allowing Dominik Szoboszlai to partner Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister in midfield[1].

Upon his return, Jones has started six of Liverpool's last eight games across all competitions, including four of the last five Premier League matches. His standout performances include a match-winning display against Chelsea and a superb cameo against Brighton & Hove Albion, where he assisted Mohamed Salah's decisive goal[1]. This marks his most consistent form since the 2022-23 season's 11-game unbeaten run under Jürgen Klopp, crediting Slot's controlled, possession-based style for suiting his skillset[1].

Slot's shift from Klopp's traditional 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 formation—with two shielding midfielders—has enabled Jones to excel as both a No.10 and a deeper-lying playmaker[1]. Born in Liverpool on January 30, 2001, the academy product joined at age nine, debuted in 2019, and has amassed over 200 appearances, winning two Premier League titles (2019-20, 2024-25), two League Cups, and an FA Cup[2][4][5].

Jones earned his first senior England cap on November 14, 2024, scoring with a backheel flick against Greece in the UEFA Nations League, adding six caps and one goal by early 2026[2][3]. Now 24, with 142 league appearances (10 goals, 9 assists), he provides maturity and versatility amid high-profile midfield competition[1][4].

His resurgence proves Liverpool has addressed Slot's midfield depth issue, positioning Jones for key roles at club and international level in the coming months[1].

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