Curtis Jones put in a shift at right-back against Brighton, and his post-match comments are food for thought for Arne Slot.
As the last local lad in the first-team picture at Liverpool, we all want Jones to succeed.
After making inroads into the regular lineup earlier in the season, the 25-year-old has seemingly fallen out of favour.
It doesn’t help that Jones was linked with a Liverpool exit last month.
Who gets your vote for man of the match in an excellent win over Brighton, and why?
The Reds are BACK
Curtis Jones points to the Anfield stand in celebration during Liverpool's FA Cup match against Brighton & Hove Albion
Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
From his perspective, though, he still has plenty to offer at Anfield.
Curtis Jones sends a message to Arne Slot
So many of Liverpool’s star players have seen a drop-off in performances compared to last season, but Jones was actually one of the more consistent performers before Christmas.
Since then, he hasn’t seen as much action, but his goal and general play against Brighton show exactly what he can bring to the side.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
After the game, he talked to TNT Sports about his form, and why he shouldn’t be written off just yet.
He explains: “In all fairness, there’s been times I’ve scored more goals but I’ve not played well as I’ve been playing right now, so I want to play well and help the team as much as I can.
Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion - Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
“I’m fortunate enough to play in a team with lads around me that can score goals.”
Jones thinks this is as good as he has been in a Liverpool shirt even if the numbers aren’t necessarily jumping off the page.
He’s not giving Slot much reason to overlook him — it will be interesting to see what his minutes look like in the Premier League now.
Curtis Jones on playing right-back for Liverpool
When the team news came out, it looked like Dominik Szoboszlai was going to resume his role on the right side of the back line.
It quickly became apparent that it would be Jones to play that make-shift role, and he was one of the standouts as Liverpool eased past Brighton.
Of course, he would prefer to play in his natural position, but he will do whatever is asked of him.
Discuss: VAR is needed in football and is badly missed when not in operation
Rio Ngumoha was robbed of a brilliant moment 😡
Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion - Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
As he puts it: “I’m a footballer, I play in midfield and I want to score goals and create goals, and I want to help the team.
“But if the coach needs me in the team, whether as a centre-back, full-back or striker, I’ll do it. I’ll give it my all. Today I played as a full-back, scored, and helped the team.”
Mentality has never been an issue with Jones. Despite the noise surrounding his future, he sounds like a player fully committed to the Liverpool cause.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox