Curtis Jones, the Inter midfielder, is expected to return to the pitch soon, wearing the number 21 shirt again, a choice that symbolises his love for the club and the city of Milan. The number, chosen after he signed for Inter last August, matches the club’s 21st Scudetto, a key date in his career. However, Jones’s adventure with the Nerazzurri was interrupted after just 242 minutes of play, due to a myofascial injury to the adductors of his right thigh, which kept him out of the field since early October. He missed five league matches and three in the Champions League, but he has now reappeared on the bench against Como, signalling his imminent return.
Jones was a long-term target of the current coach, and the club invested thirty million euros plus bonuses because of his great agility. He is a midfielder with attacking ability, intensity and a “complete” player, capable of offering valuable alternatives to Cristian Chivu in the 3-5-2 formation. The Romanian coach considers Jones an “added value”, stressing that he possesses unique characteristics missing from the squad. Chivu has praised his skills in progression, ball control, build-up play and finishing, showing great confidence in his potential despite the injury.
Jones’s versatility extends to several roles: he can play as a right or left midfielder, but also shift to the right flank. Moreover, during 228 appearances with Liverpool, he has also played as a wing-back, making him a valuable additional “card” for Inter, whether as a substitute or in emergency situations. Chivu asks him for forward bursts and quick movements to disorganise opposing defences, believing that Inter’s vertical football will benefit greatly from a technical player with good feet like Jones.
Although his first minutes were few and marked by ups and downs, this is normal for a new player in a new environment. From a lost ball at the Bernabéu that led to Mbappé’s goal, to the excellent moments against Napoli, Jones has shown his potential. With a “new championship” starting for him within ten days, with nine matches in one month, Jones will have the chance to find his place in Inter’s midfield. This “jolly” from Liverpool can hardly wait to seize this opportunity.
Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport