Liverpool’s rollercoaster 2025/26 campaign concluded at Anfield with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Brentford, but the afternoon belonged to a local lad showcasing his ultimate versatility.
Curtis Jones, filling in once again at right-back, handed the Reds a second-half lead after a trademark darting run was perfectly picked out by Mohamed Salah. While the Bees fought back to claim a point during the 1-1 draw the afternoon offered a massive glimpse into the future of a squad on the precipice of major transition.
During Arne Slot’s debut season on Merseyside, Jones was the ultimate reliable figure. He was trusted in the biggest games and proved pivotal in memorable moments, including the 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield. This year, however, has looked very different.
The Dutch head coach has firmly established a midfield double pivot of Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch. Even though neither quite replicated the staggering, world-class heights of their previous campaigns, the pairing remained Slot’s go-to formula.
Combine that with Dominik Szoboszlai enjoying his absolute best season since moving to England, and Jones found central opportunities incredibly hard to come by.
A new role and rumours abroad
Instead of his natural midfield habitat, the 25-year-old Toxteth-born Academy graduate has been called upon to deputise in a deeper right-back role. While his technical quality is undeniable, he has at times looked out of place when asked to play the traditional defensive duties required of the position.
This lack of regular midfield minutes sparked immediate fears among Kopites regarding his long-term future at the club.
Jones came close to a departure in January, and recent reports suggested Italian giants Inter Milan were ready to test Liverpool’s resolve again this summer. A Serie A switch for Jones would mean a devastating milestone for the club: Liverpool would be left without a single born-and-bred Scouser in the first-team squad.
However, speaking after the final-day draw against Brentford, Jones appeared to hand fans the definitive answer they were waiting for.
Family values and future excitement
Looking ahead to the upcoming 2026/27 campaign, Jones expressed immense optimism about what the current squad can achieve once their new arrivals fully settle.
“Next year will be exciting again, the lads we’ve obviously bought played enough games, so they are a part of this as well, so we will see the best of them as well,” Jones told All Red Video. “I’m excited for next season, it should be great, and we can put everything behind us.”
The news will be music to the ears of the Anfield faithful. Despite lacking consistent minutes, Jones has continually flashed the prerequisite quality needed to thrive in a Red shirt combining his exceptional, press-resistant ability on the ball with an unrelenting work ethic to win it back.
The reassurance comes at a critical time. Liverpool have already confirmed that iconic duo Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson will depart Anfield this summer. Their exits leave astronomical voids to fill, not just in terms of goals and assists, but from a crucial leadership perspective inside the dressing room.
Jones has proved he understands the weight of the shirt. He knows exactly what the fans expect, and losing his presence during a period where the squad is already stretched thin for established first-team stars would be a massive mistake.
The Champions League standard
Securing a return to Europe’s elite competition was no easy feat. Following a gruelling, uphill battle over the last few months, the 25-year-old was relieved to get over the line alongside his teammates and the Anfield crowd.
“The most important thing is huge by sticking as one, and the fans are always there. As I’ve said, it’s important we got Champions League,” Jones admitted.
It is a familiar script for the midfielder. Jones originally transitioned into the first-team fold during the turbulent 2020/21 campaign, when a heavily depleted Jurgen Klopp side fought tooth and nail to secure a top-four finish.
That disaster season ultimately ended in qualification, laying the groundwork for the following year when the Reds came agonizingly close to an unprecedented quadruple.
Jones remembers the strict dressing room standards that drove those historic successes, and he insists the current squad must replicate that exact ethos as they say goodbye to departing legends.
“From when I came in, the standards were already set. You have to obey by the rules,” Jones added. “You have to buy into what the lads stood by. Working hard every day, and you see it more as a family thing. It starts with them lads that are leaving. It’s not just a football team, it’s a family. You go through ups and downs… in the hardest times, they are always there. It’s important we carry on now.”
With Jones effectively confirming his commitment to the cause for next season, the onus falls on him and the remaining core to make the fans believe again, silencing any lingering doubts inside Anfield about Liverpool’s ability to climb right back to the top of the ladder.
ReadLiverpoolFC Verdict
Losing both Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson in a single summer is a monumental blow that will test Slot’s project to its absolute limits. In times of such immense transition, retaining the club’s cultural identity is paramount.
That is exactly why keeping Curtis Jones is non-negotiable. He is the final local heartbeat in this squad. While shifting him to right-back hasn’t been a perfect tactical fix, his versatility, homegrown status, and intrinsic understanding of what Anfield demands make him priceless.
With a gruelling Champions League campaign back on the horizon, Slot cannot afford to lose a player of Jones’ quality and tactical discipline.
His comments show he has the maturity to take up the mantle left behind by the departing leaders. Liverpool must shut the door on Inter Milan immediately.
