A man of variety playing in the defensive positions, Philip Anthony Jones has so far been with Manchester United for 11 seasons. A one time England international, we take a look at some of the best quotes about Phil Jones.
Starting off with fellow Premier League team Blackburn Rovers, Jones has achieved success with one Premier League, one FA Cup, and one Europa League in his locker.
Seen as a promising centre-back early in his career, Alex Ferguson signed up the defender in 2011 and he received some glowing praise from the Manchester United manager. Comparison to another United great followed as Jones stacked up the plaudits and an inevitable England call-up.
A serious injury set him back for nearly two years having also declined in his performance for the team. With his physical power and stocky build, Jones has featured in the right-back, the centre-back, and the defensive midfield position.
The names of Duncan Edwards and Franco Baresi were mentioned early in his career when being discussed, but his latter career didn’t quite fulfil the promise shown.
Returning to first team action in early 2022, he was one of the better performers in the team, praised after his lengthy absence away from the game. Another player not known for his goals, Jones has actually netted just two goals in over 200 league games so far in his career.
“If you talk to Bobby Charlton…..Phil Jones reminds him of Duncan Edwards with his power and build.”
Pat Crerand (former Manchester United player)
“I think Jones might be one of the best players we have ever had, no matter where we play him. He has that drive about him and I think at 21 years of age he is going to be a phenomenal player. I think he can play anywhere on the pitch.”
Alex Ferguson (Manchester United manager)
“Phil is a relatively young defender who is developing all the time…..I was impressed by his professionalism and attitude…..”
Louis van Gaal (Manchester United manager)
“Phil has won the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League and is now one of the senior players…..He is coming up to his 27th birthday and entering into his prime years as a centre-half.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Manchester United caretaker manager)
“…..his improvement has been really eye-catching…..the boy has been absolutely fantastic…..He is versatile. He is two-footed. He is quick. He has good perception of the game.”
Alex Ferguson
“Phil Jones is a good young English player. One of the toughest I played against last season…..”
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United player)
“Phil is a talented footballer with great versatility…..and can play in a number of positions.”
Louis Van Gaal (Manchester United manager)
“We see Phil as a captain in-the-making of our club…..He not only has exceptional ability, but you can also see for one so young, he is not fazed by anything and he is also very vocal…..I see him being…..a centre-half for England.”
Steve Kean (Blackburn Rovers manager)
“…..If you are a natural, you are a natural…..Phil is a natural – he senses where he should be and what the situation is around him…..For a young man, he makes more right decisions than some more experienced players…..”
Sam Allardyce (Everton manager)
“Phil Jones should be proud of himself…..he’s so professional, trains so hard…..I think he was phenomenal…..I think he needs a lot of respect for that tonight because he was out for over a year and this is really his first big game back and he was exceptional.”
Luke Shaw (Manchester United team-mate after colleague’s return from injury)
“Jones has a touch of Bryan Robson or Roy Keane.”
Gary Neville
“…..I think he’s been the best defender. He’s got very good composure on the ball, he’s got the pace and the reading of the game, he’s aggressive in his defending…..He organises well, he competes well…..”
Gareth Southgate (England manager)