Curtis Jones has struggled for consistent starts at Liverpool this season and has been linked with a move away.
Jones was the ‘unsung hero’ after the Reds secured a win over Brighton and Hove Albion back in December.
Following that clash, Arne Slot laid down a challenge to Jones, telling the midfielder to keep his consistency, which he has not done for a prolonged period since the Dutchman became manager.
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How much longer should Liverpool persevere with Curtis Jones?
Surely there are better options out there in the market…
Curtis Jones lines up ahead of Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan at San Siro (Getty Images/Photo Agency).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Photo Agency
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However, some fans turned on the Liverpool ace in the weeks following those comments.
He has since been in and out of the starting XI, most recently missing the Qarabag tie due to illness.
Meanwhile, it emerged via Fabrizio Romano going into the weekend that Inter Milan were looking at Jones.
Liverpool already have a threadbare squad right now, with little to no cover in midfield.
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Their right-back issues make their depth problems even greater, with one of Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai or Wataru Endo likely needed to start against Newcastle United.
So, letting Jones go before Monday’s deadline would be a big risk, especially if Liverpool don’t sign a replacement.
However, based on comments made in his pre-Newcastle press conference, Slot may finally be ready to hand an Academy midfielder some important minutes going forward.
Who on earth is playing at right-back for Liverpool vs Newcastle?
The rest of the XI picks itself, surely?
Liverpool Predicted XI vs Newcastle
Liverpool Predicted XI vs Newcastle
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After Trey Nyoni’s cameo off the bench in the Champions League, the Liverpool boss seems to have suggested the teenager is now ready to start playing a bigger role moving forward.
He said: “I think Trey showed when he came in that he comes closer and closer to a situation where I can also bring him in.
“He’s developed really nicely in the last year, he gets closer and closer to coming in in moments that matter even more.
“And that is how things work with young players, you just make step after step after step until the manager trusts you enough to play you in difficult moments.
“That has already happened for Rio and Trey is really close to that moment.”
Nyoni looked incredibly comfortable in the midweek Champions League tie, but he’s so far played less than a handful of league minutes this term.
Slot has faced criticism about his use of Liverpool’s Academy talent this term, but handing the 18-year-old a more prominent role would certainly be a step in the right direction.
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