Curtis Jones makes Arne Slot feelings clear after lack of Liverpool game time

Curtis Jones was handed a rare start in Liverpool's win over Brighton in the FA Cup, with the midfielder giving Arne Slot plenty to think about amid speculation over his future

Curtis Jones has struggled for game time recently at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Curtis Jones insists he is “happy” to do what Arne Slot tells him after making the most of a rare chance to start for Liverpool.

The 25-year-old was handed an opportunity as he was thrown in at right-back against Brighton in the FA Cup on Saturday, and he gave his head coach plenty to think about after scoring the opener in what turned out to be a player-of-the-match performance.

Jones has had to remain patient for his chances recently - Saturday’s win was his first start in six games, and came amid ongoing speculation over his future at Anfield. The midfielder was linked with a move away during the January transfer window, with Tottenham and Inter Milan being touted as possible destinations.

With his contract expiring next year, Jones could face a decisive few months in his career ahead of the summer.

He may well get more opportunities at right-back, with Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong both out injured, and backup option Wataru Endo also out of action. If that is the case, Jones is more than happy to follow his boss' instructions.

“I say it all the time: I'm a footballer,” Jones told TNT Sports after the win over Brighton. “Yeah, I'm a center midfielder and I want to score goals and I want to assist and I want to help the team.

Curtis Jones has been linked with a move away from Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

“But if the manager needs me in the team and needs me to go and play as a center-half, a full-back, a striker, I'll go and do it and I'll try my best. Today I was in there as a full-back and obviously I've scored and helped the team, so I'm happy.”

Liverpool will be hoping that the past few days can mark a turning point in what has been a disappointing season. A midweek win over Sunderland kept the Reds in touch with Manchester United and Chelsea in the race for the Premier League’s top five, while Saturday’s victory keeps them on track for a potential second trophy under Slot.

“I think that we've clicked for a while,” Jones said on the Reds’ recent form. “It's a season that has obviously not been as good as we would like it to be.

“But that's part of the game, as I always say as well. You can't expect to go into every game and just win. Teams are improving. We've improved.

“We've had lads that have joined, we've had lads that have left. It has obviously taken time but I think the team has gelled and the important thing is that off the pitch there is a good bond there as well.

“I think the lads will say that they've come into a team that has welcomed them in as if they've been there for their whole life. It has obviously taken time [for example] for Flo [Wirtz] to score more goals, but he has obviously played great games.

“As he has found his feet, he is a massive help now. Hugo [Ekitike] and the rest of the lads are obviously there helping us out. It's a matter of time before we kick on and we're playing like the champions again.”