Arne Slot was discussing Curtis Jones' performance in the Merseyside derby as Liverpool beat Everton 1-0 to take a step closer to the Premier League title
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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot will hold as press conference this morning
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot will hold as press conference this morning
(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Arne Slot has hinted Liverpool will be in the market for versatile players this summer as he highlighted the next challenge facing Curtis Jones. Jones delivered a man-of-the-match performance in Wednesday's 1-0 Anfield derby win over Everton having filled in at right-back in the absence of injured trio Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez.
The 24-year-old has featured in a number of midfield positions for Liverpool this season and also started on the left of the attack in the 2-2 draw at Aston Villa in February.
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And while praising the mentality of Jones, Slot also pointed to the player's adaptability that could set the template for potential arrivals when the transfer window opens in June.
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"That's very useful for me," said the Liverpool boss of Jones being able to impress in several roles. "Of course me and (Liverpool sporting director) Richard (Hughes) talk a lot about this season and next season, and it is nice to have versatile players, players who can play in multiple positions and Curtis is definitely one of them.
"He has a skillset that he can defend and attack, and that's why he can play in so many positions. And he has this mentality that if you give him a challenge, he likes to be challenged and yesterday was a challenge for him because it wasn't his normal position.
"Some players hate to be challenged, they want to stay in their comfort zone but Curtis is the type of player who wants to be challenged. If you tell him he is playing the best English midfielder and want to see how he does against him, he is up for the challenge.
"I didn't ask him to stand up against Doucoure after the game (at Goodison) but he likes those challenges as well! Good to have him, now it's up to him. Consistency is the thing that brings you from good to great so he has to show that if I play him Sunday."
Liverpool are at Fulham at the weekend aiming to move a step nearer a record-equalling 20th championship. The victory over Everton means they require only 13 points from their remaining eight games to claim a second Premier League title in five years.
Slot will wait on the fitness of Bradley - who returned to training this week - before deciding on his right-back option, with Jarell Quansah having started the League Cup final defeat to Newcastle in the position.
Caomhin Kelleher is on standby to continue in goal with Alisson Becker still to be given the green light to resume playing having missed out against Everton after failing a concussion test following the head injury suffered while on international duty with Brazil a fortnight ago.
“Trent and Joe will not be back in the upcoming weeks," said Slot, speaking on Thursday morning. "Conor, we have to wait and see if he is ready to be with the squad for Sunday. Then of course Curtis is an option because he did well, but I think Jarell did well a few times in that position also.
“And with Ali, it is simple: it is a concussion and you have to tick all the boxes. The moment he does, he will be in goal. The moment he doesn’t, we are following the protocol.”