DeJuan Jones is proving himself at left back

Saturday’s game highlighted DeJuan Jones’ growth as a left back.

Jones made his 11th start of the season against Columbus Crew SC. His 90-minute performance saw him lead the team in tackles (7), possessions gained (7) and clearances (4).

In the 13th minute, Jones recorded his second assist of the year after taking on his defender. Once he got to the end line, Jones offered a cross that was headed home by Tajon Buchanan. The service impressively came via his left foot.

“I’m a right-footer playing on the left side, but I think my left foot is just as good as my right foot,” Jones told media after the game. “[I’m] just working hard every day, continuing to improve, and varying my crosses, whether it’s a dink, hard cross on the ground, or finding somebody’s head.”

On the opposite side of the field, Jones faced off against Luis Diaz. The crafty midfielder tested Jones in 1-on-1 situations, but Jones never backed down.

“It’s always going to be a battle with him,” Jones said. “He got a couple of shots off, so something I can work on, obviously. Just didn’t want to give him anything that led to any goal-scoring chances, so I think I did a decent job on him.”

Jones is the first to admit that he still has a lot to learn. That said, it’s worth recognizing how far the converted left back has come.