Explains Why He Slows Down LFC Play

Curtis Jones is usually criticised for slowing down play and holding onto the ball, however the Liverpool midfielder has defined his strategy, saying: “I don’t need to be in a rush.”

Jones is understood for being comfy on the ball. Actually, of gamers to function in 10 or extra Premier League video games this season, solely seven take extra touches per 90 minutes, per FBref.

The Scouser averages 85.9 touches per 90, essentially the most of any midfielder and behind solely William Saliba (94), Lewis Dunk (90.5), Virgil van Dijk (90), Joachim Andersen (87.9), Trevoh Chalobah (87.5), Matheus Nunes (86.9) and Jan Paul van Hecke (86.4).

Whereas this could possibly be seen as a constructive, additionally it is an space that pulls a number of criticism for Liverpool’s No. 17.

Curtis Jones: ‘You need to do an terrible lot to take the ball off me’

“I’m simply certainly one of them who likes to play, I simply get pleasure from having the ball at my toes,” Jones advised the membership’s official web site after Saturday’s 2-0 win over Brighton.

“I’ve clearly heard that there’s criticism at instances that I don’t transfer the ball fast sufficient.

“That’s simply because I’m comfy on the ball.

“I don’t need to be in a rush after which I give a ball to a lad who isn’t as comfy as me on the ball and he’s sort of in a little bit little bit of a problem after which he will get the blame.

“I’d quite simply take it on me and know {that a} lad who involves press me goes to need to do an terrible lot to take the ball off me.”

Jones is a type of to profit from Arne Slot‘s newest tactical shakeup, and on Saturday that always noticed him drop into the deepest midfield position to maximise his worth in possession.

It additionally requires the 24-year-old to commit himself defensively which, as he continued his interview, Jones confirmed he’s prepared to take action understanding a clear sheet is precedence.

“If I go searching on the lads within the staff, I do know that these guys are going to attain and help and assist with the objectives,” he stated.

“If the fellows on the again and in central midfield can run extra and struggle even more durable to return away with a clear sheet, there’s little question that we’ll begin to win extra video games.”

Slot has now began Jones in every of the final three video games, and bar 4 missed resulting from harm this season he has featured in each recreation he has been out there for.

If there have been any inner points with the best way he slows down the tempo, that might nearly actually not be the case.