Curtis Jones starred at right-back and scored as Liverpool thrashed Brighton 3-0 in the FA Cup, with the versatile midfielder declaring he's "happy" to play wherever Arne Slot needs him amid an injury crisis
Tom Sunderland Sports Writer
12:50, 16 Feb 2026
Curtis Jones will play anywhere for Liverpool
Curtis Jones will play anywhere for Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Against the odds and despite several setbacks already this campaign, Liverpool remains firmly in contention for at least one trophy.
Arne Slot's players have rediscovered their form recently and looked back to their peak as they thrashed Brighton 3-0 on Saturday. Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Mohamed Salah all found the net to secure the Reds a place in the FA Cup fifth round.
Milos Kerkez also warranted more than just a passing mention after he delivered arguably his finest performance in a Liverpool shirt to date. Slot's squad may have dropped out of the Premier League title race, though two trophies in particular remain within reach.
READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold sent message over Real Madrid role after transfer warningREAD MORE: Former Liverpool star eats humble pie over Milos Kerkez criticism
Liverpool is in the mix to lift its first FA Cup since 2022, and the Reds will learn their fifth-round opponents on Monday.
Champions League success is also very much a possibility after progressing to the last 16 near the summit of their group. With such renewed optimism around Anfield once again, Liverpool.com examines the latest headlines surrounding the club at present.
Jones issues message to Slot
One of the standout performers in Saturday's commanding victory over the Seagulls, Jones' reputation is ascending once more. He's proving more invaluable than ever after excelling in a right-back position while the club navigates an injury crisis.
Jones has repeatedly expressed his ambition to spend his entire career at his boyhood club and eventually captain the side. Selfless displays like Saturday's will only strengthen his credentials, and Jones exuded leadership qualities when addressing the tactical switch.
Liverpool beat Brighton on Saturday
Liverpool beat Brighton on Saturday(Image: Getty Images)
"I say it all the time: I'm a footballer," said the 25-year-old while speaking to TNT Sports after the game. "Yeah, I'm a center-midfielder, and I want to score goals, and I want to assist, and I want to help the team.
"But if the manager needs me in the team and needs me to go and play as a center-half, a full-back, a striker, I'll go and do it, and I'll try my best. Today I was in there as a full-back, and obviously I've scored and helped the team, so I'm happy."
Gerrard claim rejected
Speaking of key assets in the Liverpool squad, few arguably carry as much weight as Szoboszlai currently does. The Hungarian registered his sixth direct goal contribution in as many matches when he found the net after half-time on Saturday.
The 25-year-old has already netted 10 goals this campaign, surpassing his previous best in a single season for Liverpool, and is merely two strikes away from equalling his overall career-high tally. Combined with his seven assists across all competitions, it's unsurprising the player has drawn comparisons to club legend Steven Gerrard.
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Nevertheless, Szoboszlai is keen to separate himself from parallels with such a revered figure. Instead, he's entirely concentrated on forging his own legacy at Anfield.
"I'm not playing a Steven Gerrard season, although he was a legend for the club," he told TNT Sports after the result. "I just try to do my own story and I try to do my best every game. Hopefully we can go on until the end.
"I don't score every time, but the last couple of times, it's been fine! I just want to keep going and score as many as I can."