Journalist: ‘Massively important’ Liverpool star has to start ahead of Alexis Mac Allister | OneFootball

Curtis Jones has changed Liverpool’s season under Arne Slot

Liverpool’s campaign has felt like two separate stories. Arne Slot, who won the Premier League title in his debut season last year, has had to navigate a messy autumn. After an awful run of form in October and November, Liverpool sit 4th after 18 games played, yet they have gone seven games unbeaten across all competitions and have won their last four matches against Inter Milan, Brighton, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolves.

Credit where it is due, these thoughts follow David Lynch speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, who were responsible for the original podcast that framed the argument.

Slot’s side still want control, quick circulation and a midfield that links play. During that rough spell, Liverpool often looked stretched, chasing second balls and leaving gaps for opponents to counter into. The recent unbeaten run suggests the structure is firmer, but it still relies on a connector who keeps the team compact.

Curtis Jones deserves to start

Curtis Jones has played a crucial role in turning Liverpool’s season around, because his profile fits what Liverpool need right now. He offers composure in possession, competes in duels, and reads danger early enough to stop transitions before they become emergencies.

David Lynch summed it up, and the quotes land because they match the eye test.

“Curtis Jones, at the minute, is really hitting a level and you often forget how young he still is.”“He’s staying fit and staying in the team and he has got to keep starting games.”“Quite frankly, he’s simply a better player than Alexis Mac Allister right now, so he should be starting.”“He wins duels, keeps the ball, plays the ball into the final third and stitches everything together. He’s massively important.”

Jones has been doing the stitching, the secure touch under pressure, the pass that gets Liverpool into the final third with shape intact.

Midfield selection and Mac Allister debate

This is not an attempt to bury Alexis Mac Allister, who remains a high class midfielder. It is a form call and a tactical call. Liverpool need players most capable of executing Slot’s ideas week to week.

Jones gives Slot options. He can support the press from the left, drop to help build, and arrive late around the box without leaving a hole behind him.

Photo: IMAGO

Path for Liverpool in second half of season

Seven unbeaten is useful, but Liverpool cannot treat this as a destination. They are 4th for a reason, and the next step is consistency against awkward opponents and away grounds.

If Slot wants Liverpool’s Premier League season to keep bending back in the right direction, he should back what is working, and keep Curtis Jones in the starting XI.