Curtis Jones’ data and pass maps show he’s now the answer to Liverpool’s problems
Liverpool are in a state of complete disarray under Arne Slot and are in real danger of relinquishing their hold on the Premier League title.
The Merseyside outfit are on their worst run in the top-flight since February 2021, having lost four games in a row.
Slot is coming under increasing pressure from Liverpool supporters, who are seeing their side struggle for the first time under the control of the Dutchman.
However, midfielder Curtis Jones has provided a glimmer of hope for the Premier League champions with his recent performances and could well be the catalyst for the Reds’ revival.
Curtis Jones shines brightest against Brentford
Jones has spent the majority of the season down the pecking order under Slot, with the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai preferred in the centre of the park.
Before Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat to Brentford, the England international had started just one Premier League game this term, instead being restricted to substitute appearances instead.
Slot was unable to ignore Jones’ magnificent display against Frankfurt in the Champions League though, with the midfielder completing an outstanding 122 passes, the most from a Liverpool player in the competition since records began.
After his performance in Germany, Jones retained his place in the starting lineup for the Reds’ trip to the Gtech Community Stadium. Once again, the academy graduate proved his quality, bringing a sense of control and composure during his 70 minutes on the pitch to what was otherwise a dismal Liverpool showing.
Curtis Jones’ stats vs Brentford:
- 97% pass accuracy
- 89 touches
- 9 recoveries
- 4/4 long balls completed
- 5/8 duels won
- 1 shot on target
What was most impressive about Jones’ display was the way he kept possession ticking over for Liverpool, often being used as the focal point for the Reds’ build-up play. The midfielder would even drop behind Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk at times to switch the direction of attack, as well as making periodic bursts forward.
As exhibited by his pass map against Brentford, courtesy of Football Insider’s data partnership with Opta, Jones was not only heavily involved in the game, but his pass accuracy (97%) was also outstanding. Apart from his midfield partner Szoboszlai, the Englishman was the only Liverpool player who could walk away from the match with his head held high.
The blame instead must fall partly on the misfiring attack, but more importantly, the defence, who were caught out far too often. Van Dijk and Konate looked incredibly shaky in the centre of the backline, and Brentford took full advantage.
Despite scoring just before the break to halve the deficit for Slot’s side, Milos Kerkez again underwhelmed at left-back. The Hungarian struggled to handle former teammate Dango Ouattara, and was booked in the first half for a foul on the winger.
Going forward, Kerkez was given multiple opportunities to flourish by Jones, who consistently funnelled the ball out to the left flank. At Bournemouth, the defender was so impressive in attacking areas, but against Brentford, bar his back-post tap-in, he failed to have an impact on proceedings.
Curtis Jones must start for Liverpool
Slot has struggled to find a midfield combination that has worked for Liverpool in recent times, but in Jones and Szoboszlai he has a balanced duo that complements each other very well.
Of course, the defensive and attacking areas are much bigger causes of concern, but at least the Dutchman may have finally found his answer to winning control in the centre of the park.
| Stats (Per 90) | Touches | Pass Completion Rate | Progressive Passes | Progressive Dribbles | Goal Creating Action |
| Curtis Jones | 81.1 | 92% | 12.8 | 3.61 | 0.56 |
| Ryan Gravenberch | 75.4 | 87.4% | 5.22 | 2.69 | 0.3 |
| Alexis Mac Allister | 62.8 | 83.5% | 3.58 | 2.26 | 0.38 |
| Dominik Szoboszlai | 81.9 | 83.1% | 7.67 | 2.78 | 0.67 |
One criticism fired at Jones in the past has been that he only passes the ball sideways and backwards. However, the stats show that he is actually the most progressive out of the Liverpool midfielders, by some distance as well.
Looking at the numbers, it is no surprise that the Jones-Szoboszlai duo has given the Reds a fresh look in midfield, as they are outperforming Mac Allister and Gravenberch in key areas. They are passing forward more often, as well as driving the team on with the ball at their feet.
Gravenberch is currently out of action with an ankle injury, but even when he returns, Slot must find a way to keep Jones in the starting lineup and allow his relationship with Szoboszlai to flourish.