The Strange Career of Phil Jones

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2 жыл бұрын

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Phil Jones made his first appearance for Manchester United in 712 days when he faced Wolverhampton Wanderers in January 2022. That appearance came in his 11th year at Old Trafford.
But what has happened to the defender that was once backed as “the best England player of his generation”? Seb Stafford-Bloor explains how comparisons to a semi-mythical Man United legend put Jones on a pedestal, and how constant injuries knocked him off it.
Illustrated by Philippe Fenner.
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Пікірлер: 1 000

@CaptainEggcellent 2 жыл бұрын

The testimonial story is heartbreaking. It’s so easy to forget that these footballers are people, and they do read what is said about them online.

@okuhleminyi8143 2 жыл бұрын

This is actually really heartbreaking. Memes aside, its terrible to have an entire career washed away by jokes and injuries.

@samuel02654 2 жыл бұрын

Didn't realize Matic was in Manchester in 2011 as a Centre Back but the things you learn on this channel continue to intrigue and surprise me.

@colek2470 2 жыл бұрын

That so sad he didn’t want a testimonial because he thought no one would show up. As a Man U fan I have always thought he was unlucky, he came at a bad time in the club at the end of sir Alex’s career and was kind of the scape goat for everything bad happening during that time. He isn’t the worst defender and he does seem to try his hardest when he is out on the pitch, he is just unlucky

@-_._.-_-._._.- 2 жыл бұрын

I mean, Jones only cost a few million to sign, has played over 200 games, and has been at the club for over 10 years. He may not have lived up to his potential but that’s still an impressive resume for any player

@williambergamot1342 2 жыл бұрын

Ferdinand and Matic the formidable centre back duo

@Tifo 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for pointing out that Matic wasn't Ferdinand's centre back partner. Apologies, we got the wrong Nemanja. 🇷🇸🙏

@treacheroustiger5571 2 жыл бұрын

I still remember watching his debut season for Blackburn. Best debut youngster I'd seen since Rooney. He was a beast physically. Out muscling grown men and experienced professionals like it was nothing. Football could have been so different for Phil.

@gurpssingh9282

Matic, you mean vidic. Is this channel even credible after that howler.

@kohchungwei 2 жыл бұрын

The latest twist to this saga is he's turned down a loan move to Bordeaux

@Malefic28 2 жыл бұрын

Vidic

@Basicguy1798 2 жыл бұрын

I am a Liverpool fan and of course have indulged in memes on Jones and Maguire. But that one line from Jones about only his mum and dad turning up made me sad. Damn, that guy has gone through alot and gives me a new perspective...

@thomasoakley4833 2 жыл бұрын

I think his physicality and workrate is unquestionable, they are two attributes that you really require to be a top centre back. Back when he used to play regularly, I felt he didn't have the best disapline though... Every so often it was almost like he was a Labrador.. happy to be out and chasing the ball. He did really well against Wolves though, deserves more chances (providing he is fit).

@victorvelasquez1482 2 жыл бұрын

That testimonial quote is spiritbreaking

@clubindigo 2 жыл бұрын

I genuinely have such a soft spot for him. He was ridiculously good those first couple of seasons, like Fergie said, he marked prime Ronaldo out of the game at the Bernabau. He was a monster. His injury record, a couple of gaffes that every defender makes, and the fact he became a punchline, completely derailing his confidence, really hampered what could have been an incredible career.

@wthwasthat8884 2 жыл бұрын

Ironically his last game he played against Wolves this year he played really great. If it wasn't for him it would have been a 3+ goal defeat. Varane actually played worse than him so maybe Ragnick should give him a shot for the next few games. Maguire is untrustworthy and Lindelof seems very inconsistent. I was shocked to see he's still only 29 aswell so he still has a few more years in him yet.

@miz5138 2 жыл бұрын

A video on PH Ganso would be great. For the newer generation who might’ve not heard about him…he was Neymar’s teammate at Santos who apparently had an even higher ceiling than him.

@camcorder99999 2 жыл бұрын

Never knew matic and Ferdinand played together!

@bengreening9387 2 жыл бұрын

I remember Jones marking prime Cristiano Ronaldo out of a Champions League game. Possibly his best performance.

@Crispy_DAWG 2 жыл бұрын

Wow I never knew how bad his injury record was until now. I’ll be it, like many others I knew him from the jokes and the memes and I find the testimonial part sad considering how much of a scapegoat he was made due to the hype that surrounded him in his youth and his misfortune.