Hey, Dr Jones. No time for love...

[Modo]

Are you happy with Jones being our back up midfielder?

I'm honestly not seeing enough improvement and his most annoying trait is becoming more prevalent.

But Slot apparently rates him, which kinda baffles me, considering the treatment of Endo and I don't think Endo has really been any worse.

 

[moron]

Jones is a starter for most midfields in the world I invlude all the teams that reached the CL quarters. You guys dont like him for non footballing reasons, if every pro/manager rates him and his ability then it stands the only teason you and others dont rate him is because of some character issue.

 

[Modo]

Jones is a starter for most midfields in the world I invlude all the teams that reached the CL quarters. You guys dont like him for non footballing reasons, if every pro/manager rates him and his ability then it stands the only teason you and others dont rate him is because of some character issue.

You just wrote that you want a "black" midfielder in the team. Who do you think he will bump?

 

[keniget]

The main problem with Jones is that he's never been able to find any consistency. It's hard to trust a player when you don't know whether you're going to get a 7-8/10 or a 4/10 performance.

It's frustrating because he's technically capable and has an eye for goal but when he is poor he offers nothing (unlike Szobo, for example, who at least you can say works like a dog).

That said, I don't think he's going anywhere. Local lad, homegrown and all that.

 

[dogboy]

Homegrown, seems happy enough with a place on the bench a definite keep.

 

[moron]

You just wrote that you want a "black" midfielder in the team. Who do you think he will bump?

All lur midfielders can cover for one another, the defficiency comes into play in two types of games,

1) Those where we need high levels of energy i.e. running power that is why szobo had more games.

2) Those where we need physicality

The problem we have is to cover (1) we need szobo all the time. To cover (2) we need Maca/Jones. The extra midfielder would be rotated in this setup. Othetwise some of our guys are gonna have to give up PL footy soon.

Aslo Jones without doubt is one of the best ball retainers in Europe, you can dissagree but its true. There are games where his presence has been needed a lot.

 

[Modo]

All lur midfielders can cover for one another, the defficiency comes into play in two types of games,

1) Those where we need high levels of energy i.e. running power that is why szobo had more games.

2) Those where we need physicality

The problem we have is to cover (1) we need szobo all the time. To cover (2) we need Maca/Jones. The extra midfielder would be rotated in this setup. Othetwise some of our guys are gonna have to give up PL footy soon.

Aslo Jones without doubt is one of the best ball retainers in Europe, you can dissagree but its true. There are games where his presence has been needed a lot.

Well he is a versatile, I'll give him that and I don't think he's shit. But, honestly I just think he's average. He's in the Danny Murphy category for me and I think he's reached his ceiling as a player.

It annoys me that his inconsistency isn't on a game by game basis, it's within games as well. Can start off well, then suddenly gets hubris and does shit like he did in the last game, when he was holding the ball in our own penalty area.

 

[Squiggles]

As a back up to Mac Allister Jones is probably as close to perfect as we can get. I wish he was consistent enough to challenge him more effectively, but we really are nit-picking here. .

It's been a pretty middle of the road season for Jones, but to his credit, at times he has come off the bench and within 20 minutes has provided more attacking impetus than Szobo has managed in his last five games. He's also shown his versatility, playing everywhere from LW to RB and has generally kept himself fit and available. If we're dissecting the midfield then the likes of Endo and Elliott not being trusted to start football matches is where the attention needs to be at

 

[peterhague]

Well he is a versatile, I'll give him that and I don't think he's shit. But, honestly I just think he's average. He's in the Danny Murphy category for me and honestly I think he's reached his ceiling as a player.

It annoys me that his inconsistency isn't on a game by game basis, it's within games as well. Can start off well, then suddenly gets hubris and does shit like he did in the last game, when he was holding the ball in our own penalty area.

I just think you don't like him. Always there jumping on his bad moments and never praising the good ones.

For me Jones is at the very least a really useful squad player who doesn't cause any trouble. He's not a problem at all.

 

[Modo]

I just think you don't like him. Always there jumping on his bad moments and never praising the good ones.

For me Jones is at the very least a really useful squad player who doesn't cause any trouble. He's not a problem at all.

I don't like him because he still holds on to the ball for too long and I don't think he'll ever stop.

 

[bluebell]

Are you happy with Jones being our back up midfielder?

I'm honestly not seeing enough improvement and his most annoying trait is becoming more prevalent.

But Slot apparently rates him, which kinda baffles me, considering the treatment of Endo and I don't think Endo has really been any worse.

He is back-up and he has come in done the job. He has been managed well and available for most of the season which has not been the case before.
Moreover, with so many other priorities facing the team, his position and role is something we don't have time for to investigate by "We" I mean FSG, unless someone comes in with an offer of £50m plus, I say we keep him.
There is a bigger question on the MF, how you rotate it better. Elliott does not fit a Slot system so should he be sold and a grav alternative be bought in or we go for a more attacking MF like Ismael Saibari, Tijjani or Sancet.

 

[refugee]

A home grown player who is versatile enough to play multiple positions, is happy not being a first teamer, is on low wages, and has enough talent to play in any game is the absolute least of our concerns.

 

[Modo]

Reijnders turns 27, but would be a great signing.

 

[Modo]

A home grown player who is versatile enough to play multiple positions, is happy not being a first teamer, is on low wages, and has enough talent to play in any game is the absolute least of our concerns.

I agree that he's least of our problems, I just wish we had someone in there with a higher ceiling than Jones.
For instance, has ever been a game where you've honestly thought, "bring Jones in, he's gonna make a difference"?

 

[mom]

As has been stated above, he has talent, but just needs to be able to show it on a more consistent basis.
I still want another decent CM though. We wore the main three out this season.

 

[bluebell]

Sorry @Modo if you don't mind me expanding on it talking about Harvey who has played less games than CJ, I think there is a answer if we can do better.
The most touted name is Cherki however, he only runs an average of 3.2km per game. Thats an issue if you need player to track back.
The other options are Ismail Saibari who runs over 7km a game and Tijjani who covers an average of 10km per game. Tijjani is the oldest and most expensive option but I think he is good for 3 seasons at least.

 

[Modo]

Sorry @Modo if you don't mind me expanding on it talking about Harvey who has played less games than CJ, I think there is a answer if we can do better.
The most touted name is Cherki however, he only runs an average of 3.2km per game. Thats an issue if you need player to track back.
The other options are Ismail Saibari who runs over 7km a game and Tijjani who covers an average of 10km per game. Tijjani is the oldest and most expensive option but I think he is good for 3 seasons at least.

I haven't seen enough of Saibari to build an opinion but Cherki and especially Reijnders looks top class.
The latter is a bit more versatile though and more of a Szobo type player.

 

[Dreambeliever]

How can you say there wasn’t huge improvement this season?

Sure he’s still got to bring consistency but he’s been much improved. To say otherwise is just not true.

 

[bluebell]

I haven't seen enough of Saibari to build an opinion but Cherki and especially Reijnders looks top class.
The latter is a bit more versatile though and more of a Szobo type player.

I don't think we can have Cherki, Salah and Frimpong at the same time, it will leave us defensively exposed.

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Ismail Saibari offers more goal threats with goal or an assist every other game. He will be cheaper and younger than Tijjani.

Tijjani's age does not worry me, I think he will be at high level to atleast till he reaches 31, its his price tag €65m plus. Runs, tackles, intercepts, dribbles, long range passing, he is that all round MF and can rotate between Dom and Mac*. With his height and mobility, he can play anywhere. I would love us to beat City to get him

*If I put lex, I will get 3 comments asking me not to use lex

 

[Frogfish]

Jones is the least of our problems and maybe #104 on the list of issues to resolve.

 

[got red on me]

I agree that he's least of our problems, I just wish we had someone in there with a higher ceiling than Jones.
For instance, has either been a game where you've honestly thought, "bring Jones in, he's gonna make a difference"?

Chelsea at home his season?
I mean, I didn't think it but then, I haven't a clue about coaching a football team. Slot however, had a plan and Curtis was a don that day.

 

[StevieM]

Are you happy with Jones being our back up midfielder?

I'm honestly not seeing enough improvement and his most annoying trait is becoming more prevalent.

But Slot apparently rates him, which kinda baffles me, considering the treatment of Endo and I don't think Endo has really been any worse.

Not read any other replies yet.. but.

I don’t think he’s backup - he’s in rotation with Mac & Dom and I think he’s good, underrated and often overlooked while still being inconsistent and not finding his feet 100%.

But… he’s a good player.

With all due respect, you’re biased as fuck against English players anyway, so I take your criticisms of said players with a pouch of salt.

With Trent leaving, there might be an opportunity for Curtis to step out of his “shadow” a bit.

If anything, his biggest problem is he can do a decent job in a lot of positions, which makes him priceless, but also not the primary starter in any position.

I think he’s technically gifted enough and physically tough enough to be a very good players for us.

I have a few things up my sleeve already for the 25/26 predictions thread when it gets opened.. and Curtis will be one of them.

 

[Modo]

Chelsea at home his season?
I mean, I didn't think it but then, I haven't a clue about coaching a football team. Slot however, had a plan and Curtis was a don that day.

Well then, you're better than me in that case. Cause the only time I've thought "get Jones on the pitch" is when Szobo or Macca have been shite for some reason and my reasoning is "he can't do any worse".

 

[Modo]

Not read any other replies yet.. but.

I don’t think he’s backup - he’s in rotation with Mac & Dom and I think he’s good, underrated and often overlooked while still being inconsistent and not finding his feet 100%.

But… he’s a good player.

With all due respect, you’re biased as fuck against English players anyway, so I take your criticisms of said players with a pouch of salt.

With Trent leaving, there might be an opportunity for Curtis to step out of his “shadow” a bit.

If anything, his biggest problem is he can do a decent job in a lot of positions, which makes him priceless, but also not the primary starter in any position.

I think he’s technically gifted enough and physically tough enough to be a very good players for us.

I have a few things up my sleeve already for the 25/26 predictions thread when it gets opened.. and Curtis will be one of them.

Put your money where your mouth is then and have him as a starter in your fantasy team every week 😀

 

[Dirty Sanchez]

Last August I was hoping Jones would kick on and have a breakout season. He hasn't. I'm with Modo - he's so frustrating in almost every game, making the same mistakes over and over. Holding on to the ball and inviting uncomfortable pressure when a simple pass is all thats required. Sometimes he gets away with it, sometimes he doesn't. Every time though it has me screaming at him to speed it up, pass it, stop dallying, etc. We all get on Darwin for being offside at least 5 times every time he plays. An inability to see the danger in holding the ball, or to see the advantage in using quick one touch football, is Jones's kryptonite. Nice lad. Not good enough.

 

[Modo]

How can you say there wasn’t huge improvement this season?

Sure he’s still got to bring consistency but he’s been much improved. To say otherwise is just not true.

I wrote "enough" improvement and isn't consistency part of it?
Jones is a useful player don't get me wrong but he doesn't really give me the same confidence someone like Milner did when he covered for one of our midfielders.
I don't look at a midfield of Gravy, Jones and Szobo and think, "we're good".
I know Milner is an unfair comparison, but if Jones is supposed to be rotated with our midfielders it's not unfair of me to demand more.
As 5th choice, sure, but I don't think he's a 4th choice.

 

[bluebell]

I wrote "enough" improvement and isn't consistency part of it?
Jones is a useful player don't get me wrong but he doesn't really give me the same confidence someone like Milner did when he covered for one of our midfielders.
I don't look at a midfield of Gravy, Jones and Szobo and think, "we're good".
I know Milner is an unfair comparison, but if Jones is supposed to be rotated with our midfielders it's not unfair of me to demand more.
As 5th choice, sure, but I don't think he's a 4th choice.

In the summer as a list of priorities where do you put him? Here is the list
Konate and Diaz renewals, Frimpong's impending arrival and integration
LB signing, JoGo, Quansah, Elliot, Endo, Tsimi, Robbo, Chiesa and Jota squad issues
Loan Returnees and what happens next season.

 

[Al_Gatto]

Curtis fits Slots controlled, slow possession better than Endo imo But it drives me nuts the extra touches when the next pass is obvious.

I'd buy a proper AM like Wirtz and drop Szobo back to rotate with Mac and Gravenberch in some games. Curtis can pick up minutes in cup games. Not great for his development but tbh he isn't developing much the last year or two. Still thinks he's the best kid in the Academy, its not grown up football.

PS: think Bacjetic will be getting more minutes than Curtis next season.

 

[Modo]

Curtis fits Slots controlled, slow possession better than Endo imo But it drives me nuts the extra touches when the next pass is obvious.

I'd buy a proper AM like Wirtz and drop Szobo back to rotate with Mac and Gravenberch in some games. Curtis can pick up minutes in cup games. Not great for his development but tbh he isn't developing much the last year or two. Still thinks he's the best kid in the Academy, its not grown up football.

PS: think Bacjetic will be getting more minutes than Curtis next season.

The Szobo to midfield switch would be a viable solution if we get an attacking midfielder, but that also means that Szobo will be competing with Macca.
I rate Bajectic and I hope he manages to impress Slot in pre-season.

 

[Fabio]

If Jones learned to release the ball earlier then there could be genuine conversations if he should be a starter.

He's fine