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John Barnes says £67,000-a-week Liverpool man already looks so comfortable in Arne Slot’s system
John Barnes noticed one Liverpool player who seemed very comfortable in Arne Slot’s new system during the 1-0 win over Real Betis.
It is a huge summer for a lot of Liverpool players, who have only ever experienced one way of playing since arriving at Anfield, given the fact Jurgen Klopp was at the helm for nine years.
In Arne Slot’s 4-2-3-1 shape against Real Betis, however, John Barnes felt one Liverpool player looked very much at ease with the new style…
John Barnes praises Curtis Jones
The 60-year-old has been speaking very highly about Curtis Jones on Liverpool’s official YouTube channel.
Referencing the Liverpool No.17’s injury against Real Betis, Barnes : “I hope he is not too serious, because he was someone we were looking forward to seeing. He seemed the one to benefit from the new Arne Slot way more than anyone else, just in terms of what we saw on television, the way he played.”
Jones lasted just 30 minutes before being taken off against the Spanish side, for reasons Slot described as precautionary after the match, with Trey Nyoni replacing the man.
It was a shame to see the 23-year-old withdrawn so early, as he has only recently spoken with great enthusiasm about his love for Slot’s playing style.
Jones : “He’s amazing. It’s probably the happiest I’ve been in terms of a style of play that suits me. It’s a clear plan in training and he’s fully involved, coaching us a lot. He’s big on the finer details.
“He’s got a certain way of playing – he knows it will take time as it’s a big change, but him and his staff are chilled about it as they know the quality is all there.”
How Liverpool No.17 performed against Real Betis
Hopefully, Jones is not seriously injured, as he does seem to fit Slot’s tactical setup like a glove.
Starting in a deeper midfield role alongside Wataru Endo, the Liverpool academy graduate completed 100% of his passes before suffering an injury, while also making one interception and one tackle, as shown by SofaScore.
Jones has also previously shone in that deeper position under Lee Carsley as the England U21 side won the UEFO U21 European Championship back in July 2023, even scoring the winner against Spain in the final.
There has been plenty of talk about Liverpool needing a new No.6 at the base of midfield – some at Anfield even believe Dominik Szoboszlai could fill that deeper role.
READ MORE: Liverpool youngster has left Arne Slot shocked during pre-season training sessions
However, if Jones can maintain the level he showed in that 30 minute cameo against Real Betis, he could be the man to solve Slot’s problem position this season.