Liverpool send mixed messages to Curtis Jones with their apparent interest in Fabio Carvalho. The Scouser won’t know whether to smile or worry.
It’s pretty clear now that Liverpool want Fabio Carvalho. All reputable sources claim they had an agreement with Fulham over a deadline-day deal, only for the two clubs to run out of time.
They’ll be back, though. Carvalho is out of contract in the summer and will almost certainly be on the move. Jurgen Klopp supposedly wants the player, too, and the Reds will surely bid.
But what does that mean for players in the squad? One Liverpool player, in particular, can both smile and worry with this news – Curtis Jones.
Curtis Jones could face Fabio Carvalho threat at Liverpool
Carvalho most obviously fits into Liverpool as a midfielder. There’s perhaps some potential in the wider roles – or even a False 9 – but some of his most impressive moments for Fulham come deeper.
In fact, they come in that inside-left channel in midfield. Carvalho will chase the ball down, win it back and drive through midfield onto his right foot. He’ll look to carry the ball as far as he can, while pushing into the box.
Now, this hasn’t been the way Liverpool have used midfielders in recent years. Klopp has gone with more all-around, work-horse types who primarily keep the team functional, rather than creative.
It’s actually Jones and how Liverpool use him that shows a move in a new direction. With Harvey Elliott doing similar on the right of the midfield three, the Reds are developing their next generation of midfielders as attacking playmakers.
Interest in Carvalho, then, highlights this. It shows how Jones’s role is one they want to persist with and the Scouser clearly has a place at Liverpool. At the same time, they appear to be looking at direct competition for him.
And so it’s unclear what Jones should think of this. On the one hand, Liverpool do want to change their midfield for a player like him. On the other, his place isn’t secure if Carvalho arrives.
But playing for Liverpool will naturally bring competition and seeing it off is part and parcel of being a star. Jones certainly has star potential and, by the looks of things, his next big challenge is on the way.
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