Curtis Jones eased speculation over his Liverpool future as he put in an impressive display against Brighton on Saturday.
It has been a turbulent few weeks for the Scouser, who was surprisingly linked with a late move to Inter Milan in the January transfer window.
Although Jones ended up staying, there does not appear to have been a breakthrough over new contract talks. With his current deal expiring in 2027, there is a real chance he leaves Liverpool this summer.
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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
In the meantime, Jones has also fallen out of favour under Arne Slot. After starting six matches in a row, the 25-year-old has scarcely featured in the last five.
That changed on Saturday as Jones started during the FA Cup clash with Brighton. It may have been from right-back, but the No. 17 scored and excelled in a performance which led Adam Lallana to believe he still has plenty to offer the Reds.
Adam Lallana says Curtis Jones still has a role to play
There was widespread disbelief when it emerged that Inter were interested in signing Jones ahead of transfer deadline day.
There is a feeling amongst Liverpool fans that Jones should be playing much more than he has been of late, and speaking to TNT Sports after the Reds beat Brighton 3-0, Lallana agreed that the academy graduate is still going to be key between now and the end of the season.
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
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“I thought he made an impact. I like the sound of playing him at right-back,” said the former Liverpool player.
“It’s different playing a midfielder there, ghosting into the box, finding space. I think he’s going to have a big part to play until the end of the season.”
Having watched an interview with Jones where the Scouser insisted he only wants to play and play well for Liverpool, Lallana said it would have been music to Slot’s ears.
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“For Arne Slot to hear that in interview, for him not caring where he plays on the pitch, I think especially his attitude and how big a part he’s been of the team,” he said. “It’s always great to see a Scouser doing well because it’s a massive club and people want to relate to someone from their city.”
Jones must continue at right-back
There is little question that Jones would rather be playing in midfield than at right-back for Liverpool.
However, having spent some time out of the team recently, he should be taking whatever he can get at the moment.
After playing well against Brighton, there is no reason Jones cannot be Slot’s regular right-back until Jeremie Frimpong is ready to start again.
Joe Gomez offers another option, but Jones gives an extra attacking threat from full-back which could really benefit Liverpool in certain games.
It remains to be seen whether this new run in the team will lead to the England international staying on with the Reds, but for the time being he certainly does have a big role to play.
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