Curtis Jones Impresses at Right-Back as Arne Slot Compares Him to Alexander-Arnold

27 Apr

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)

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