Liverpool could unleash surprise tactic that has already turned out to be ‘super smart’

Changes are set to again be afoot when Liverpool turn their attention back to the Europa League.

When Toulouse visit Anfield on Thursday, a third successive Group E win will see them take a giant step towards qualifying for the knockout stage of the competition. For the 2-0 victory over Union SG last time out, Klopp surprisingly handed starts to Mo Salah and Darwin Nunez, while Trent Alexander-Arnold made his comeback from a hamstring injury.

It was the ideal game to hand Alexander-Arnold an outing, having not played in a month. A place in the XI against Toulouse appears unlikely for the Liverpool vice-skipper, while the rest of the team that defeated Everton in the Merseyside derby may also be handed breathers.

And the fixture comes at the ideal time for Curtis Jones to be given an outing. The midfielder has been forced to watch Liverpool’s previous two Premier League fixtures from the stands after his red card in the 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur at the start of the month. And with the international break also pausing the season, it will be three weeks since Jones played a game for the Reds. He came on at half-time in the Union SG triumph and was key to a much-improved display in the second period. And given his ban is not enforced in Europe, he’ll return to the squad against Toulouse - with a start more than likely.

Where Jones may feature for the Reds, however, is intriguing. The academy product has underlined his worth to the team in the past six months and transformed himself from a bit-part player to someone at the fulcrum of Klopp’s outfit. Operating in the number-eight role, Jones’ simplicity on the ball and intelligent counter-pressing is why he’s not only survived Liverpool’s midfield revolution but thrived. Plenty predicted that £35 million signing Alexis Mac Allister was nailed on for the remit Jones has fulfilled. The Toxeteth-born lad has had other thoughts, with Mac Allister having to settle for the responsibility of screening the defence as a number six.

Yet Jones’ versatility means he could be deployed elsewhere. During his days in the youth ranks, he was a mercurial talent who ran amok on the left wing. Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota may both be rested from the Everton win, which would leave options for the position scant. By his own admission, it’s a position he loves.

However, Jones has also declared his willingness to function where he might not be particularly comfortable. During pre-season, with Klopp having a paucity of midfielders following the unexpected exits of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, the 22-year-old was experimented with as a No.6. However, in truth, that berth looks set to be filled by Wataru Endo against Toulouse.

But with Alexander-Arnold expected to drop to the bench, Jones may well be stationed at right-back. Joe Gomez is the natural replacement although Klopp may want to hand the ex-Charlton defender a chance in his favoured central role. The Reds are otherwise lacking options. Conor Bradley remains absent as he recovers from a stress fracture to his back.

In the 3-1 victory over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup, it was Jones who was assigned duties at full-back - with the captain’s armband to boot. “I sold the right-back idea with the captaincy, let me say it like that!” said Klopp at his post-match press conference. But he was already completely excited when I told him he would play right-back. The way he executed it was super special, I have to say. Wow. Super smart.”

In truth, Jones probably won’t care if he’s stuck in goal against Toulouse. He’d don the gloves with relish if asked. Just as he’s back out on the pitch.