An interesting tactical shuffle from Arne Slot was confirmed ahead of the Merseyside derby. The headline news is that Curtis Jones, usually a midfielder, will line-up in the right-back position. This decision comes as a change from the recent Carabao Cup final team line-up where Jarell Quansah had been selected, who now has been relegated to the bench, along with Conor Bradley also being left out.
The move to have Jones fill this position is an interesting choice. This decision is underpinned by the fact that Bradley is still on the road to full recovery. Unfortunately, injuries have forced Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez to the sidelines, leading Slot to select a player with a natural penchant for midfield maneuvering to take up the defensive guard post on the right flank.
While discussing his choice, Arne Slot revealed that the recent encounter at Goodison Park, characterized by a lack of scoring opportunities on both sides, became a point of consideration. Local rivalries have been known to be cagey affairs, and the coach believes there’s way more room for improvement in the handling of the ball when it’s in play.
The selection of Jones in the full-back role is, in part, a tactical ploy to improve the team’s overall ball possession. Slot’s justification for his decision brings into focus the obvious: Jones’s superior skill on the ball and his ability to deal with it better in any given situation. The training ground theory seems clear: The deeper in the field Jones is, the more chances he has to play the ball.
Not new to the right-back role, Jones had previously been placed in this position. Notably, it was during the Carabao Cup match against Leicester, where the 3-1 victory also saw Jones leading as the team captain. Additionally, he had brief stints in the right-back role during games against Arsenal and Brighton back in 2020.
Discussing Jones’s previous performances, Klopp, at the time, stated that Jones had always been a potential right-back candidate due to his impressive football IQ. The manager appreciated how the player relished being on the ball and saw positional depth as a means to get on the ball more often.
Looking back on Jones’s initial performances in the unaccustomed right-back position, Klopp was full of praise. It was a top-grade performance for a youngster trying out a new role. Complimenting his ability to adapt and strive, Klopp spoke highly of Jones saying he did a commendable job.
Yet another surprising revelation from Arne Slot’s starting lineup was the portrayal of Caoimhin Kelleher in the goalkeeper’s role. This was made more notable with the absence of the usually first-choice keeper, Alisson. The change was forced due to Alisson posing a risk, given a late concussion test he took on Tuesday.
The club’s decision to bench Alisson and favor the young Kelleher was on the back of strict adherence to medical protocols. As Slot explained, ‘We as a club make it a point to follow the protocol when it comes to player health and safety.’ Alisson, unfortunately, fell short of satisfying all the requirements as per the protocol.
This decision was further motivated when Alisson couldn’t ‘tick the last box’ during his medical checks. Slot emphasized that the primary concern was the player’s well-being, and no risks could be taken when it comes to potential head injuries.
Into this serious situation steps Kelleher, a player who has proven his worth this season. Accepting this new challenge, Kelleher could be seen stepping between the sticks. Slot appeared confident in his choice, acknowledging Kelleher’s performance so far.
Despite being the second choice to Alisson, this season, Kelleher has shown that he is no mere backup keeper. Emphasizing this point, Slot said, ‘We have Kelleher, who has proved that he is maybe too good to be Ali’s backup.’ This certainly puts some perspective on Kelleher’s potential abilities.
Overall, such strategic changes are indicative of a team adapting to changing circumstances. The shift to unusual roles for players like Jones and Kelleher showcases the versatility of modern footballers and their ability to rise to the occasion when the team needs them.
As the Merseyside derby looms, all eyes will be on these unconventional roles, particularly focusing on Jones lining up at right-back and Kelleher as the shot-stopper. These changes make for an exciting sports narrative, as one can’t help but wonder how the performance will unfold.
The post Curtis Jones to Play Right-Back in Merseyside Derby: A Tactical Swap by Arne Slot appeared first on Real News Now.
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