Why Does Slot Seem to Trust Three Midfielders More Than Jones?

When you look at Arne Slot’s midfield selections recently, a pattern is emerging.

Alexis Mac Allister.

Ryan Gravenberch.

Dominik Szoboszlai.

Those three appear to be the core Slot trusts when it matters.

Which leaves one question: where does that leave Curtis Jones?

Jones hasn’t publicly fallen out with anyone. There’s been no hint of dressing-room drama. But on the pitch, he increasingly feels like the midfielder just outside Slot’s preferred trio.

Slot seems to favour intensity, vertical passing and physical presence. Mac Allister offers control and bite. Szoboszlai brings energy and drive. Gravenberch provides power and forward momentum.

Jones, by contrast, is more measured. He likes to receive, recycle and dictate rhythm. That style isn’t wrong — but it may not be exactly what Slot prioritises in high-pressure matches.

In a season where Liverpool are chasing a top-four finish, managers often narrow their trusted core. It doesn’t mean Jones lacks quality. It may simply mean he doesn’t perfectly fit the current tactical blueprint.

The danger for Jones is perception. When others are repeatedly selected in big games, the narrative builds quickly: is he trusted less? Is he further down the pecking order?

There may be no fallout. No disagreement. No issue behind the scenes.

But right now, Curtis Jones does look like the odd one out in Slot’s midfield plans — and unless something changes, that question will only grow louder.