Danny Murphy shuts down Curtis Jones claim over Liverpool role - 'Behave yourself'

Danny Murphy has sparked debate after dismissing a suggestion that could be a for Liverpool, calling the suggestion "baffling".

There were a few interesting talking points to emerge from Liverpool's win against midweek.. As usual, refereeing decisions grabbed the headlines, with challenge on deserving a red card and some fans arguing that Liverpool’s goal should’ve been disallowed.

However, beyond the controversial officiating, tactical decision to deploy Jones at right-back stood out. And credit where it's due—Jones was superb in this unfamiliar role, showcasing his versatility and adding an unexpected dimension to Liverpool’s play.

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However, speaking on Inside Liverpool, Murphy has dismissed the notion of Jones having a long-term future as a full-back. The pundit urged those suggesting such a move to calm down and not get ahead of themselves. Murphy firmly believes that Jones will remain a key player for Liverpool in his natural midfield role, adding that anyone advocating for him to play right-back in the future should “behave themselves.”

“I think Curtis Jones is going to be a key player for Liverpool, but not as a full-back by the way" said the former Reds midfielder. "I heard some of the commentators saying that maybe he could fill boots, come on, behave yourself. I think some of his best qualities are higher up the pitch now.

“Arne has given him the license to play further forward than Jurgen did, he has great feet, and I think those numbers will go up as his confidence goes up in terms of goals and assists.”

On being deployed on the right-hand side of defence by the head coach and how he handled the task, the 24-year-old said: “Of course I want to play eight or 10 – or false nine or off the left or anything like that – [but] I just want to go and play and help the team as much as I can.

“They were going long all the time so I was finding myself at the back a lot, at the back post, and I was clearing things, I was stopping shots and crosses and things like that. That’s part of the game and part of a right-back as well. He has trusted me in there so I have to do a job.”

Jones' long-term future shouldn't be at full-back, as that would do a disservice to his talents in midfield. However, there's no reason why he couldn't serve as a valuable backup at right-back for Liverpool in the future, even if he’s not first-choice. Against Everton, Jones demonstrated that he’s capable of playing at right-back, and his stats from the game were quite impressive. While his natural position remains central midfield, his adaptability could make him a useful option for Liverpool when required.