Phil Jones: The Hidden Diamond

Although a competent, diligent and hard-working player, Jones lacks the flair and bewitching qualities of those more illustrious names to have donned the famous United shirt in the past and captivated fans all over the world with their enigmatic display. Last season alone, he played at centre-back, right-back and in midfield. He was asked to man-mark Marouane Fellaini and Cristiano Ronaldo. Everytime a challenge was thrown at him, he came out with flying colours. He’s been moved around so much that he hasn’t had the chance to make any one position his own.
Deployed in central midfield alongside Michael Carrick, Jones was deployed to prevent Arsenal’s passing game, a job which he did magnificently just as he has done in the past, notably against Real Madrid in the away leg of Champions League last 16 tie last season at the Santiago Bernabeu.
His effectiveness in the holding midfield role became more visible when he dropped back into central defence for the second-half following Nemanja Vidic’s withdrawal at half-time with concussion and Arsenal started playing with a sense of freedom and enterprise that was denied by Jones’ presence in the first half.
With Darren Fletcher, who thrived in that position in recent years for United sidelined with colitis, Jones has emerged as the go-to man to fulfil that role. United have been in search of a central midfield player and their inactivity in the transfer window had raised the concerns of the United faithful but they may have finally found the answer in Jones.
While Jones may find himself more at home in central defence, he is equally adept at operating in midfield, making key blocks, interceptions and irking the opposition, as well as embarking on surging runs from deep when the opportunity presents itself.

There are areas in his game that needs improving like his passing range and vision when on the ball but when he consider his age-at just 21, he is deemed to be a long-term success in the deeper-lying midfield role, charged with disrupting the rhythm of opponents.
But while it is refreshing to see Jones display his flexibility and willingness to play in any role for the team, it may deter his development. Sooner or later Jones needs to find his best position in the field or he may end up not fulfilling his enormous potential.