The recent concern over Phil Jones' fitness in advance of next week's crucial Champions League tie with Real Madrid demonstrates a shift in the former Blackburn Rovers' player's importance to Sir Alex Ferguson.
In Madrid, he played the dual role of adding an extra layer of protection to the United defence and supporting an already stretched midfield. If he does miss Tuesday's game, Ferguson might have to rethink his tactics, as it's doubtful he has anyone else at his disposal who could do the same job.
Jones was much hailed when he arrived at Old Trafford from Ewood Park in the summer of 2011, with some tipping him to be a future England captain and others likening him to legendary United star of the '50s, Duncan Edwards. Certainly the £16 million price tag indicated that Manchester United had big plans for the 19-year-old.
The Preston born player has become an accomplished player at centre-back, right-back and in the heart of midfield. But Jones' first season at Old Trafford was something of a mixed bag. Ferguson signed Jones after a number of impressive display at the heart of the Blackburn defence and in his first full start for his new club, he partnered Jonny Evans in the centre of defence in a 3-0 win over Spurs.
However, as the season progressed, Jones found himself pushed out to the right-back slot, or even deployed as a box-to-box midfielder. Jones never really nailed down one position and was often used to plug holes in an injury depleted United side.
While overall Jones' first season at Old Trafford was a success, he was yet to establish an obvious style or position within the United squad.
Parallels could be drawn with either Phil Neville or John O'Shea. Both Neville and O'Shea were much heralded in their early United career, and both went on to win a host of medals and many international caps, but their constant redeployment on the field meant it's possible neither player realised their full potential.
The fear is that Jones falls into the same trap—shuttled from position to position each week, failing to establish himself as a first-team regular.
Perhaps a better example for Jones to follow might be that of former United captain Roy Keane. In Keane's early United days he, too, played in the centre of defence and at right-back before eventually establishing himself as one of the best central midfielders in the world.
While Jones might not be as ferocious as Keane, he is no less in potential and recent displays in centre of the park against Spurs and Real Madrid, helping United to deal with Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, showcased his capabilities in that position.
No comments:
Post a Comment