Injuries can ruin careers and set players back a level or two. That seemed to be the case with Phil Jones at Manchester United.

In the last two seasons he struggled for game time. As soon as he got back to full fitness and into the Man United first team he’d seem to pick up another injury and be back to square one. He’d then comeback again and seem rusty, struggling to get back into the swing of things.

At a certain time last season it seemed as though he’d be better off leaving Old Trafford and seeking a new home to build himself back up again.

But this season has saw Jones back to his best as he has regained his fitness and his composure at the back.

Playing alongside Eric Bailly has given the Red Devils strength, reliability and added balance.

When Bailly missed the recent 0-0 draw with Liverpool, Chris Smalling came in and he too looked strong in beside Phil and that is a big compliment.

He’s played in all United’s Premier League games this season, they’ve so far remained unbeaten and have only conceded twice (the best record in England’s top flight). Jones has made around two key interceptions on average per game and has a highly impressive ninety-two percent passing success rate.

Jones is once again looking like England’s best defender. His impressive form has seen the central defender back in Gareth Southgate’s England squad and if he stays fit you’d imagine that he’ll be in the starting eleven in next summer’s World Cup.

The twenty-five year old (yes he’s really just twenty-five!) is a player who can play from the back, put in strong tackle and offers leadership from the backline. He also offers versatility to play as a back-up right back or as a defensive midfielder if needed. Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho likes leaders and players who can offer options and that’s probably why Jones has been reportedly offered a new deal at the club.

Mourinho has been impressed with Jone this term and just hopes to keep him fit:

“If we manage to have him safe and protected from injuries, I think potentially he’s everything I like in a central defender.”

That’s the thing, if Manchester United can have Phil Jones in their side week in and week out, then they will have a stronger team and challenge for the league title. Fingers crossed he can stay fit because no one wants to see a player continually succumb to a so many injury problems.

 

Posted on October 16th, 2017 by scott
Filed under: Article