In a derby match, all that matters at the end of the day is the result. For Liverpool on Wednesday evening, they got that result by way of a 1-0 victory over Everton, and that more than any quibbles or imperfections is what matters most in its aftermath.
The same perhaps could be said for Curtis Jones’ evening, with the Scouse midfielder unexpectedly deployed at right back due to injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Bradley, and Joe Gomez. It wasn’t a perfect night for Jones, but he got the result.
A late clearance was particularly of note, as Jones chased after an Everton runner and then pulled the ball out of the air with his toe at full stretch to deny the Blues what would have otherwise likely been their best chance of the second half to pull level.
“Some players hate a challenge, they like to stay in their comfort zone, but Curtis is the type of player that wants to be challenged,” manager Arne Slot reflected after the match when he was asked about Jones’ performance as a makeshift right back.
“Now it’s up to him if I play him again on Sunday that it’s not a one time to show yourself situation because consistency is the thing, it’s what brings you from good to great, and if I play him again [at right back] it’s what he has to show again on Sunday.
“He has the skill-set that he can defend, he can attack, and that’s why he can play in many positions. And he has the mentality if you give him a challenge he likes to be challenged, so yesterday was a challenge for him because he wasn’t in his normal position.”
With Bradley back in training and at one point even considered a possibility for Wednesday, a start on Sunday against Fulham at right back for Jones might not be the most likely option, but it’s good for the manager to know he does have that option.