Phil Jones is so versatile he insists he could even play in goal. Manchester United’s man of the moment has been likened to Franco Baresi by Fabio Capello – and Sir Bobby Charlton has drawn comparisons with the legendary Duncan Edwards.
His outstanding performances for England in the past week could finally see Sir Alex Ferguson unearth the midfield general he has been looking for since the days of Roy Keane.
And now the 19-year-old says he could do a stint between the sticks if club or country demanded.
“I used to play right midfield when I was younger,” he said. “I also played striker when I was younger.
“The only positions I’ve never played in are left midfield, left-back and goalkeeper. I think I’d be decent in goal, I’d fling myself around a lot.”
Jones has played on the right and centre of defence, as well as roles as a holding and attacking midfielder for United and England this season.
It has seen him become a key figure at Old Trafford following his £16.5m move from Blackburn last summer – and move to the head of the queue to make Capello’s Euro 2012 squad.
And far from being concerned that he will be burdened with the dreaded ‘utility man’ tag – he hopes it will see him continue to play a starring role both at Old Trafford and on the international stage.
“I think versatility is always an advantage,” he said. “It allows you to play more. I don’t see how it could be a disadvantage.
“Hopefully, in time I’ll nail down a regular place in a set position. For now, though, I’m just happy to play football.
“My favourite position is centre-back and I think that’s where I’ll end up as my career develops. The bottom line is that I enjoy playing football and I’ll play anywhere.”
In only a matter of months at United Jones is already being tipped as a future captain for club and country.
Fearless
He describes himself as ‘cheerful, fearless and optimistic’, so it is little wonder he welcomes the plaudits that are coming his way, rather than wilt under the weight of expectation.
“To be mentioned in the same sentence as Duncan Edwards is a huge honour,” he said. “He was playing well before my time but I certainly knew about him growing up.
“It inspires me to go on and become a better player. It makes me want to work even harder in training.
“As for the England captaincy, it’s nice as well. But I need to keep my feet on the ground and play well for Manchester United.
“Then I’ll keep getting the chance to play for England. If I could captain England one day then I think that would be the pinnacle of my career.”
It is a testament to Jones’ precocious talent that both Ferguson and Capello have such faith in his ability to adapt to a host of different roles.
It has already ensured 16 appearances for United this term and earned three England caps.
“I think I’ve come on a lot,” he said. “Not that I wasn’t technically good before – I was reasonable – but when you’re training with these guys every day you’re bound to improve.
“My feet have quickened, I can shift the ball a lot quicker. And the more I keep training with these guys the better I’ll get. I’m looking forward to that.”
The likelihood is that he will return to right back for United at Swansea tomorrow.
Jones doesn’t mind as long as it leads to more silverware, following the Community Shield success on his debut.
“I’d never won a competitive trophy before,” he said. “That was really nice and probably my favourite moment so far.
“I’ve had a lot of good moments so far but that was probably the best one. I thought to myself at Wembley: ‘I’ve been here two minutes and I’ve already got a trophy.’
“I used to think, ‘I can’t stand that club when they always score in the last minute.’ But now I love it. I’m not complaining one bit.”
Where should United use Jones? Have your say.
Man for all seasons: Manchester United's Phil Jones loving Old Trafford life
November 18, 2011
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Put him at centre back now. He has a lot to learn and the sooner he starts the better. We cannot win the PL or CL this season so let's give the young players the experience. Utd cannot complete with Chelski or the Sheikh so play the kids and let us see how good they really are.
and we love having the lad here has the potential to be one of fergies best ever buys
I think there's no doubt that long term he and Smalling should be the central defensive axis. He is a truly outstanding talent who, like Rooney could probably play anywhere on the pitch. However, for the immediate moment he's needed at full back, at least until Smalling returns, or one of the de Dilva's nails down that spot. Unless Rio fully recovers fitness and form, I actually believe Smalling might prove the best option alongside Vidic. This would free Jones up to compete with Carrick/Fletcher for the holding midfield role. Against the better teams I would go with one of these three anchoring the midfield behind Cleverley and Anderson, both of whom dovetailed superbly early season and could well flourish without too much defensive responsibility.
Mobile and strong in the tackle, Jones has showen he can distribute the ball well, and also surges forward with power and purpose. What Carrick has over him is better discipline and a greater passing range. Fletcher is still some way off his very best form, which he needs to reproduce to warrant a starting place. I simply don't believe we have a strong enough two man midfield to compete against the best teams.
With a three man midfield I would go with Rooney, Nani and Young, interchanging as a fluid front three, freeing the widemen to come inside, rather than being stuck on the wings. One only has to look at Nani's wonder goal for Portugal this week to see that his talents are wasted when confined to the wings. And he, Rooney and Young could wreak havoc against any opposition with the right midfield behind them. And with the any from Hernandez, Wellbeck, Berbatov, Owen, Valencia, Giggs and Park on the bench, SAF would have quality options to change things.
Whilst City have had a storming start, and fair play to them, we are still handily placed, despite disruptive injuries and a tough fixture list. We have stagnated in recent weeks, especally foillowing the shock of the derby debacle, and need to recapture the early season verve. But I trust that SAF knows this better than any of us, and is already working towards achieving just that. Confidence is a major factor in all sports. When our confidence was high we looked like potential world beaters.
Mark my words, the confidence will return ... and so will the scintilliating football!
Utd for life!
Paul, Whalley Range
...and Old Trafford is loving him.
How refreshing to see a new player in the side who really will bust a gut for the cause. He's still very young and hopefully will keep improving, but passion, effort and commitment, he has it all. I just wish that some of our midfielders who like to give it large in the interview room, would take a leaf out of his book and transfer what they say to the media, onto the football pitch.
Legend in the making in my opinion
the lad has a big future in front of him and I hope he keeps his feet firmly on the ground, avoids serious injury and all his dreams come true, Good luck Phil.
Glory Glory Man United
If he fancies a midfield spot he'd better take his chance soon, as Darren Gibson will be back in a couple of weeks. He had a starring performance for the reserves in the thrashing of mighty Wigan. Also takes the pressure off Fergie having to buy a top class creator, like say Silva or Nasri.
This guy is NOT a mid-fielder believe me,he cannot beat a player,he is a right full-back end of..!!
Mercenary. End of!!!!
jones, cleverley, and a fitter anderson the new midfield. smalling as back-up. and drop rooney back for the top flight games only. thanks to and pension off carrick, fletcher and giggs.
Phil Jones says that he is loving life at Old Trafford. I will reciprocate that comment, and say that WE are all loving Phil Jones being at Old Trafford!
I wish that undue assessments of Phil would be toned down regarding the comparison with Duncan Edwards. Yes, he does have a few similar attributes to the greatest player I ever saw, but it is so unfair to our new ‘dynamo’ to burden him with such a comparison. Duncan Edwards was playing regularly in United’s first team at the age of SIXTEEN, and indeed made his full England International debut at the age of SEVENTEEN in a 7 –2 win over Scotland. Our Phil is nineteen and a comparative veteran.
I rate Phil Jones very, very highly. He is an amazing young footballer and will only get better. He is the new Phil Jones - in his own right! For those fans who also saw Duncan Edwards play, I am confident that they will agree with me when I say that Big Dunc was so impossibly freakin unbelievable! There will NEVER be another like HIM!
United ‘til I die!
Really exited about Jones who seems to have it all.
He needs to start playing regularly at centre back. Versatile players are good squad players but the opportunity cost is he may never end up reaching his potential in his preferred position. We've got good cover in Rio and in emergencies there's always Johnny Evans.
Jones to be used as Defending Midfielder
Phil Jones to play as a Defending Midfielder