Liverpool cult hero leaves as midfielder pays tribute | OneFootball

Curtis Jones Pays Tribute as Phillips Bids Farewell to Liverpool

Midfield dynamo finds rhythm under Slot

Curtis Jones was never the main event in Arne Slot’s inaugural Premier League campaign, but he was never meant to be. Instead, he became something more subtle and occasionally more important: a metronome, a connector, a player who dipped in and out of Liverpool’s midfield like a jazz drummer keeping time.

Photo IMAGO

While not a weekly starter, Jones featured across all midfield positions and rarely put a foot wrong. His tidy footwork, spatial awareness and sharp passing range earned quiet nods of approval, and occasionally louder ones. England boss Thomas Tuchel took note. The 2026 World Cup is not so far off, and for a player like Jones, every club appearance counts double.

Photo: IMAGO

There were whispers, naturally. Murmurings that perhaps this was his last act in red. But rumours are often louder than reality, and right now, Jones looks firmly woven into the fabric of Slot’s evolving Liverpool.

Departures shaping next chapter

But not everyone is staying. In fact, Liverpool are in a state of flux. As new faces arrive — Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Armin Pecsi — others quietly slip away. Caoimhin Kelleher has opted for a fresh start. And now Nat Phillips, the cult hero of 2021, has followed suit, joining West Brom.

Photo: IMAGO

Phillips’ story is one that belongs to a very particular moment in time. The injury crisis that ripped through Liverpool’s defence left few standing, and when all seemed lost, Phillips and Rhys Williams stepped up. They were not elegant, not particularly fast, but they fought. Jurgen Klopp called their efforts “insane”, and for a brief window, they were giants.

Since then, Phillips has bounced through a series of loans. His most recent, with Derby County, impressed enough for the Baggies to make their move. And with that, another chapter closes.

Photo IMAGO

Sentiment shared as Phillips departs

Phillips posted a heartfelt farewell on Instagram:“Thank you for all the memories, love and support. This club has been a huge part of my life, and I’ll always be grateful for the opportunities it’s given me and the people on and off the pitch who I have been fortunate to meet along the way. It’s been an absolute honour to represent Liverpool and one that I will be forever proud of. Lastly, a special thank you to the fans, whose support I have felt continuously. I wish the club and all involved the very best of luck for the future, YNWA.”

🔗 Instagram

Curtis Jones responded with the simplicity of someone who didn’t need to say much: “All the best, bro.”

Sometimes, that is enough.