“Capello picking Jones in the much softer positions suggests that he has his doubts…”
The former Liverpool defender wanted praise for Sir Alex’s success as manager, after claiming his ‘you don’t win anything with kids’ remark acted as the catalyst to United’s younger players at the time going on to be stars.
Now he is having a little dig at Phil Jones.
The center back has been a revelation this term and having starred at center back, right back as well as a roving midfielder.
Alan Hansen has taken this to mean that there is a lack of faith in Jones’ ability and voiced his own concern.
“Every manager, at club and international level, is looking for the next great centre-half, but Fabio Capello’s reluctance to blood Phil Jones in that position for England highlights the reality that he is still not ready for the role.
“But the fact that Capello has picked Jones in the much softer positions of right-back and holding midfield suggests that he has his doubts over the 19 year-old as a centre-back at this early stage of his career.
“At this moment in time, I share those doubts, although I do not dispute that the Manchester United youngster has massive potential as a centre-half because that is clearly his best position.
“But playing at centre-half and mastering the role takes time.”
Phil Jones is by means the finished article and he has been used in various positions but for United at least in a ever changing back line that has struggled with injuries it is beneficial.
Initially when we signed him he was lauded for his versatility now it is being used against him.
Center back is a specialist position, it takes years to learn in order to become one of the best. At just 19, Jones is learning his game and all of the positions he plays will ultimately aid him playing at center back now and in the future.