Worth more than Zubimendi: Liverpool struck gold on Slot's "relentless" ace

Two things are true: Liverpool have exceeded expectations this season and are heading toward the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first season; Liverpool need to make sweeping changes in the transfer market this summer.

Mohamed Salah has posted 32 goals and 22 assists across all competitions as the Anfield side prepare to defend their 12-point lead at the top of the table after the March international break, the final of such sojourns this term.

But Liverpool’s frontline, deadly as it may be, is lopsided, imbalanced by an absence of potency through the likes of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota.

All three have largely flattered to deceive since Christmas; all three have been suggested as potential departures in a summer fire sale.

Slot, after all, has only welcomed Federico Chiesa through the gates since settling into Jurgen Klopp’s seat last summer, and the forthcoming market is expected to be a busy one.

FSG will no doubt have noticed the recent rumours linking Martin Zubimendi with a move away from Real Sociedad. It doesn’t look like that move will conclude on Merseyside.

The latest interest in Martin Zubimendi

Last summer, Liverpool went all in for Zubimendi but failed to convince him to leave the Basque Country. Instead of assessing alternative options, FSG decided that the Reds could make do with their existing options.

This was met with derision from rivals and anguish from Liverpool’s fanbase, but hindsight has revealed a method in the madness, for Slot’s side are firm favourites for the Premier League title.

Now, Arsenal are preparing to sign the Spain international in the summer, something that no doubt stings but perhaps isn’t actually the most crushing of blows for those of a Reds persuasion.

Indeed, Liverpool have a healthy crop of midfielders, and while there is a need for greater depth, you could stake the claim that Zubimendi wouldn’t actually see that much action, based on the evidence of the campaign as a whole.

The starting trio are all worth more than the Spaniard, but there’s another member of Slot’s brood who is actually more valuable than him too.

Liverpool have hit the jackpot on “relentless” midfielder

Losing Klopp after so many illustrious years was always going to be a bitter pill to swallow as Liverpool stepped out into the unknown, but Slot’s vision was inculcated into the first-team squad very quickly, one player, in particular, loving the new gaffer from the get-go.

That man, you may guess, is Curtis Jones, who waxed lyrical about Slot’s tactical prowess before the campaign kicked off.

Jones’ start to the season helped Liverpool considerably in dominating matches and setting the pace for the title charge, always one step ahead of the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.

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It meant Klopp’s departure and the failure to convince Zubimendi to jump ship were quickly forgotten blemishes.

While Zubimendi’s seemingly destined for a date with the Gunners, Liverpool won’t feel the weight of the Spaniard’s rejection too keenly, not when their current crop are supercharging a Premier League title drive.

Jones isn’t always in the starting lineup, but he’s an invaluable part of the team, so committed and fitting as an extra part. His valuation reflects his worth in Slot’s eyes, for sure.

Zubimendi might have a lofty release clause in the £50m ballpark, but Jones may be an even more valuable midfielder in the current market.

By CIES Football Observatory‘s reckoning, he is indeed. CIES describe themselves as ‘the world leader in the scientific evaluation of professional players’ transfer values.’ They clearly know their ABCs, so having projected Liverpool’s Scouse-born midfielder to currently have a £68m price tag, it’s clear Jones is making real headway with Slot at the helm.

An underrated player, sure, but Jones gives his teams something distinctive in the middle of the park. He’s industrious and energetic while also boasting a first-class short-passing game.

The data certainly backs that point up. As per FBref, Jones ranks among the top 1% of midfielders in the Premier League this season for pass completion, the top 3% for passes attempted and the top 16% for both progressive passes and tackles per 90.

And while Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister make up the central core of Liverpool’s midfield, Jones has still been a major part of his boyhood club’s success, featuring 24 times in the top flight, starting 13 fixtures and posting three goals and three assists apiece.

If anything, Jones’ struggle to play from the outset invariably is more a reflection of Liverpool’s abundant quality than an indication he’s flattering to deceive.

Tuchel clearly subscribes to the same notion as Slot, with Lee Carsley also handing Jones his England debut back in November 2024. The centre-midfielder got himself on the scoresheet, and it was a fine goal at that.

Jones also started the opening fixture of Tuchel’s tenure, with the 2-0 victory over Albania a routine result, but one that saw respected journalist Henry Winter hail Jones for being “relentless in his pressing.”

He’s a fine player, born on Liverpool-red soil and undoubtedly envisaging a one-club career. Who knows, but one thing’s for certain: Liverpool have hit the jackpot on their homemade talent, whose talents have seen him be placed in a more lucrative bracket than a coveted phenom in Zubimendi.

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