There’s a new twist in Liverpool FC’s season — and it centres on Curtis Jones.
Used at right-back in back-to-back wins over Everton FC and Crystal Palace FC, Jones hasn’t just filled in — he’s impressed. So much so that Arne Slot has even compared aspects of his game in that role to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
That’s not a comparison made lightly.
A different kind of full-back
Slot was clear about what stood out:
Jones’ comfort on the ball.
Calm in possession
Progressive passing
Ability to carry the ball forward
These are qualities Liverpool have long relied on from Alexander-Arnold — and Jones has shown he can replicate elements of that.
Not a copy, as Slot stressed — but a similar profile in possession.
Backing it up with numbers
The performances weren’t just eye-catching — they were statistically strong.
Against Everton:
118 touches (most in the game)
94% pass completion
28 defensive contributions
Against Palace:
77 touches
83% pass completion
13 defensive contributions
That’s influence. On both sides of the ball.
Not the finished article
There are still rough edges.
Slot pointed to positioning as an area needing improvement:
Defensive awareness
Natural full-back instincts
Spatial discipline
Which is hardly surprising — Jones isn’t a natural right-back.
But the fact he’s adapting this quickly is telling.
A solution to multiple problems?
This role could solve more than one issue for Liverpool.
Midfield competition limiting Jones’ starts
Jeremie Frimpong yet to fully convince
Conor Bradley struggling with injuries
Jones offers:
Reliability
Technical quality
Tactical flexibility
And crucially, a way into the team.
What it means for his future
With interest from clubs like Aston Villa FC and questions over his long-term role, this shift could be pivotal.
Instead of leaving to find minutes elsewhere, Jones may have found:
A new position
A clearer pathway
A stronger case to stay
Final thought
Sometimes a player doesn’t need a transfer — just a different role.
Jones at right-back might not have been the plan.
But it could end up being the answer.
And if he continues like this, what started as a short-term fix could become something far more permanent.
Jamie (The Kopite View)