In the upcoming Merseyside derby, Arne Slot has confirmed that Curtis Jones will be put into the right-back role. This decision operates as an alternative to using Conor Bradley, who is sidelined, or Jarell Quansah, who’s expected to remain sub. The switch sees Jones, primarily a midfielder, stepping into the right-back position, which is the only modification from the Carabao Cup final’s lineup.
Jones’s new position comes after a discussion considering him as a likely solution for that role. The coach’s decision comes amidst injuries to both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez, as well as the necessity to give Bradley ample time to reach full fitness. Arne Slot has chosen to utilize Jones’s skills in a defensive position, a move buttressed by his natural midfield capabilities.
To explain his decision, Slot referred to the prior derby at Goodison. In that game, opportunities were scarce for both teams, prompting him to rethink the scuffles on the field and reconsider his strategy. By positioning Curtis Jones at right-back, Slot aims to invigorate a more tactical and agile game-play.
Driving his point home, Slot emphasized the need to execute better ball control and make the most out of ball possession. His rationale behind putting Jones in that role is linked to his belief in the player’s ability to excel at these aspects of the game. This decision underscores the importance of strategic change to uplift the team’s performance.
Interestingly, this is not the first time for Curtis Jones to be in the right-back role. His solid performance and leadership were evident during a 3-1 victory over Leicester in last season’s Carabao Cup, where he captained the side from the right-back position. He also briefly filled the position during prior matches with Arsenal and Brighton back in 2020.
Highlighting Jones’s adaptability, Slot mentioned the player’s football acumen as a potential solution for the right-back role. His affinity for being on the ball and his exceptional ‘football smart’ mentality allows him to shift easily into different positions. Jones’s solid performance, even in new positions, has been a noteworthy aspect of his profile.
For Jones, being positioned deeper means more opportunities to interact with the ball, a circumstance he enjoys. Slot observed that Jones’s previous successful how at the right-back was remarkable for a role unfamiliar to him. Showing his faith in Jones, Slot said, ‘He performed superbly in a position that was unique for him.’
Another unforeseen change in Slot’s starting lineup was placing Caoimhin Kelleher as the goalie, leaving Alisson Becker out of the squad altogether. This decision was made due to concerns surrounding Alisson’s late concussion test on Tuesday, which was not cleared at the required level for him to partake in the game.
Slot spills details about the decision to replace Alisson with Kelleher in the goalkeeper’s post. With Alisson unable to confirm his availability following recent concussion tests, Slot decided it was not worth the risk to put him on the field. His decision adheres strictly to the club’s protective measures when handling these delicate matters.
The main reason behind the acting head coach’s choice was compliance with the club’s protocol. Alisson has yet to complete the full checklist required for confirming his fitness to play following a potential concussion. The decision to exclude him was made in the spirit of safety and precaution.
Slot detailed the intermediate safety measures followed by the club in such matters. ‘We follow a certain protocol and it necessitates clearing all requirements,’ Slot conveyed. He added that Alisson was not able to fulfill the final benchmark on Tuesday, leading to the decision for his exclusion from the starting lineup.
Eventually, it was Kelleher who earned the goalkeeper’s spot for the upcoming match. Slot highlighted that Kelleher has shown his worth this season. The coach’s comment hinted that Kelleher might be overqualified for his usual role as Alisson’s backup, especially considering his excellent performance this season.
Between Alisson and Kelleher, the choice was dictated by circumstances and health concerns. However, Slot expressed confidence that the difference in goalkeeping quality wouldn’t necessarily detract from the team’s performance. In fact, he seemed to imply that Kelleher’s involvement could potentially bring a refreshing dynamic to the match.
The unexpected starting lineup for the upcoming Merseyside derby only goes to show that soccer isn’t always a game of rigid roles and predictable team selections. Changes in positions and strategies light up the unpredictable nature of the sport, where game adaptation and quick decision-making can make a significant impact.
In football, adaptability and versatility are virtues that often pay off, as exemplified by Slot’s tactical switch. His decision to place Jones in a relatively unfamiliar position and his confidence in Kelleher’s abilities shed light on the importance of having versatile players who can skillfully adjust to various roles when the team needs them the most.
All in all, these changes underline the team’s constant evolution in mastering the beautiful game. Only time will tell if these tactical tweaks prove to be a masterstroke or a misstep. Yet, it’s the thoughtful process and audacious decisions made by the coach like Slot that keeps the audience’s anticipation for the game alive.