Curtis Jones has once again reminded everyone why he deserves a more prominent role in Arne Slot’s Liverpool side. The young English midfielder delivered a masterclass performance during Liverpool’s 5–1 demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League — a display that not only stood out on the night but also made history.
Jones completed an astonishing 122 passes over the course of the match — the most ever recorded by a Liverpool player in a single Champions League game. His performance reflected not only confidence and composure on the ball but also tactical intelligence, as he dictated the tempo and seamlessly linked defence with attack.
More impressively, Jones wasn’t just recycling possession; his passes were progressive and purposeful, constantly driving Liverpool forward and opening spaces in Frankfurt’s defensive setup. His ability to combine efficiency with creativity showed why he is beginning to look like a complete midfielder under Slot’s system.
The Mac Allister Debate
Jones’s standout performance has inevitably reignited the debate surrounding Alexis Mac Allister’s current form. While the Argentine World Cup winner remains one of the most technically gifted players in the squad, his recent performances have been less influential in terms of dictating play and progression from midfield.
Statistically, Jones currently outperforms Mac Allister in progressive passing — a crucial aspect of Slot’s possession-based philosophy. This has led many Liverpool fans to argue that the homegrown midfielder deserves to start ahead of the Argentine in upcoming fixtures.
Fan Reaction and Tactical Implications
Supporters have taken to social media to praise Jones’s maturity and evolution. Comments like “He looks like he’s been playing Champions League football for a decade” and “Curtis is finally showing he can be the engine in midfield” have become common in the Liverpool fanbase.
Slot’s tactical dilemma is now clear: does he stick with the experience and versatility of Mac Allister, or reward Jones’s consistent progression and record-breaking form?
What’s certain is that Curtis Jones has forced his way back into the conversation — not as a squad player, but as a genuine first-choice contender in Liverpool’s midfield hierarchy.
If performances like this continue, it may not be long before the academy graduate cements his place as one of the first names on the team sheet.
