In the highly-anticipated Merseyside derby, coach Arne Slot has announced that midfield ace Curtis Jones will be adapting his position to play as a right-back. Jones is being called upon to fill in the defensive void, following a reshuffling of the lineup due to player injuries and fitness concerns. This decision comes in the wake of excluding Conor Bradley from the team list and opting not to start Jarell Quansah, leaving him available on the bench.
This move marks the only tactical shift by Slot from the team structure during the Carabao Cup final. Jones emerging as the choice for the right-back role is not entirely surprising, as he has previously shown versatility in his various pitch roles. His unique ability to adapt to different situations within the game, including a potential stint as a right-back, has been previously considered.
In preparedness for the critical game, Slot faced a few challenges regarding player availability. Bradley’s full recovery is still in progress, while both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez are out due to injuries. The coach’s unexpected choice of deploying a regular midfielder in the right-back position stems from these circumstances.
Following the announcement, Slot said: ‘During the Goodison rivalry, neither side had a significant advantage in terms of opportunities created. Our focus is improving control over the ball in the field and enhancing our in-play tactics. Selecting Curtis to play full-back is a strategic move in this direction.’
Jones is no stranger to this position, however. He led his team as a captain from the right-back slot during a victorious 3-1 match against Leicester in the previous season’s Carabao Cup. And, on a few other occasions in 2020, including against Arsenal and Brighton, he had been temporarily substituted into the right-back role.
Previous assessment from Jurgen Klopp, the team’s former coach, revealed that Jones had always been viewed as a potential player for this position, praising his football acumen. ‘Curtis understands the game deeply, which is a result of his high football IQ. His possession and ball configurations amplify when he plays deeper,’ remarked Klopp.
In addition to admiring Jones’ adaptation to the unusual placement, Klopp added, ‘His first performance in an unfamiliar position exceeded expectations. Curtis handled the unexpected well and played a brilliant game.’ Jones’ past performance and adaptability likely played a significant role in his latest assignment as the right-back in the Merseyside derby.
Another surprise that arose in Slot’s team setting was the decision to station Caoimhin Kelleher as the goalkeeper, leaving Alisson Becker completely out of the play. The intriguing choice to replace the regular starter with the reserve goalie has elicited much conversation among the fanbase and analysts alike.
Alisson’s absence, however, is due to health precautions following an inconclusive late concussion test carried out on Tuesday. Prioritizing player safety, the coach has refrained from taking unnecessary risks with Alisson’s wellbeing.
Explaining the reasoning behind keeping Alisson off the field, Slot stated: ‘We, as an organization, strictly adhere to player safety protocols. To make it onto the playing field, a player must satisfy all the determined criteria and pass the prescribed tests.’
Continuing with his explanation, Slot added, ‘Unfortunately, Alisson was unable to meet the final requirement on Tuesday. Hence, we’ve decided not to risk his health.’ The club’s commitment to its players’ health is evident in this decision.
Introducing Kelleher as the goalkeeper presents an opportunity for him to prove his prowess. Kelleher has demonstrated his competence in this season, thus justifying Slot’s reliance on him in the absence of the first-choice goalkeeper in this pivotal match.
In final remarks, Slot confirmed his faith in Kelleher’s ability to step up: ‘Throughout the current season, Kelleher has proven his worth many times over. His performance arguably even questions whether it is fair to categorize him as a mere backup for Alisson.’
These tactical changes prove the adaptability of the team and its coach. Arne Slot’s choices, driven by player safety and maximizing each one’s potential, highlight his strategic approach to even the toughest of scenarios.
With Jones now in the right-back role and Kelleher defending the goal, it’s evident the team isn’t pulling any punches despite the shuffling of player roles. Even in the face of adversities, the team’s spirit remains high, with everyone from the players to the coach, willing to adapt and overcome.
How these decisions will play out on match day remains to be seen. The stage is set, the players are ready, and the spectators eagerly anticipate the echoes of the whistle to kick off the action. The Merseyside derby is sure to be an eventful endeavor featuring unexpected roles and promising talents.