D. Jones Columbus Crew Midfielder #20 Profile and Performance Analysis

Derrick Jones, wearing #20 for Columbus Crew, has quietly turned into a key figure in their midfield this season. Whether you’re a die-hard Crew fan or just tuning in, you’ll spot Jones right away—he brings both size and real experience to the center of the pitch.

At 6-foot-4, he stands out, no doubt about it. He covers ground, distributes the ball, and just seems to be everywhere at once.

If you watch MLS, you probably know his journey by now—eight years, over 100 matches, and still going strong. Jones’s path from youth soccer in Ghana to the heart of Columbus’s midfield is one you can’t help but appreciate.

Want more info? Check out this page on Derrick Jones, Columbus Crew midfielder number 20, and see how he fits into the roster: Derrick Jones (Columbus Crew).

Profile of D. Jones

Following the Crew, you’ll find D. Jones, #20, brings an international story and a steady hand in midfield. His journey from Ghana to Major League Soccer? It’s all about determination, adaptability, and a focus on the basics.

Early Life and Background

Derrick Jones, full name Derrick Jones Amaniampong, grew up in Bantama, Ghana. You can see his early years in his playing style—football meant everything, and that built his technical ability and relentless work ethic.

After moving to the United States young, Jones adapted quickly. The change in culture and playing style helped him develop, mixing Ghanaian flair with the discipline of American soccer.

His family always backed him. Coaches call Jones committed and respectful—traits that started long before he ever went pro.

Football Journey

Jones started out in youth academies in the U.S. His first big step? Joining the Philadelphia Union Academy, which led to his first professional contracts.

He made his MLS debut for Philadelphia Union, then moved through clubs like Houston Dynamo and Nashville SC, picking up experience in different midfield roles.

In December 2023, the Crew traded for Jones. Since then, he’s brought consistency and tactical understanding to a deeper midfield role. At 28, he’s got that perfect mix of youth and experience, making him a pretty reliable option.

Career Club Stats (Excerpt)

Club	Years	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Philadelphia Union	2017-2019	26	1	2
Houston Dynamo	2021-2022	35	1	1
Columbus Crew	2023-present	20	0	1

Skills and Playing Style

You notice Jones in the midfield because he values positioning and defensive awareness. He’s not flashy, but he makes those key interceptions and controls the pace from the center.

He breaks up opposition plays and distributes the ball quickly. Coaches count on Jones for his stamina, size, and discipline. He can play as a defensive midfielder or push a little higher if needed.

Watch a Crew game, and you’ll see Jones making smart decisions under pressure, shuttling between defense and attack. His style blends his Ghanaian roots with American training, giving you a mix of physicality, skill, and tactical sense. For more about his current role, check out the Columbus Crew site.

Role With Columbus Crew

Derrick Jones brings valuable experience and energy to the Crew’s roster. His presence in midfield gives the team both stability and flexibility as they chase their goals this season.

Playing Position and Contributions

Jones usually lines up in central or defensive midfield, supporting both the back line and the attack. His main job? Disrupt opposing offenses, win back the ball, and move it forward quickly.

He’s not out there to score a ton of goals, but he connects play between defense and attack. With over 100 regular season MLS matches under his belt, he’s proven he belongs at this level.

His stats show consistent tackles, interceptions, and completed passes—he’s reliable on the ball.

Season	MLS Appearances	Starts	Goals	Assists
2023	24	14	0	1
Career	108	64	1	3

Jones stays disciplined and focused, making him a trusted part of the Crew’s system. He might not fill the stat sheet, but you can feel his impact in transition all over the field.

Integration Into the Squad

Jones signed with the Crew through 2025, showing the trust the club has in him. He joined after several seasons in MLS and found a team that values tactical awareness.

Crew fans already see Jones’s competitive edge and his willingness to do the dirty work in midfield. He shows up ready and never shies away from a tough challenge.

His introduction to the team looked smooth. His experience matched the Crew’s high tempo, possession-based play, and he fits right in, communicating well and keeping the defensive shape.

Whether starting or coming off the bench, Jones gives the coaching staff a bit more confidence.

Versatility and Depth

Jones’s biggest asset? Versatility. He can handle several midfield roles, giving the Crew options when injuries, suspensions, or tactical changes pop up.

You might see him drop deep, push higher when pressing, or even fill in out wide. For a roster aiming for the top, this flexibility is huge.

When other midfielders are out, the Crew trusts Jones to step in with no fuss. His versatility keeps team chemistry strong and saves the coaches from major lineup changes.

His presence deepens the squad and ensures there’s always a seasoned pro ready to go. The Crew, looking to defend their title and juggle a busy schedule, benefit from having a reliable, versatile player like Jones as part of their midfield depth.

MLS Career Highlights

Derrick Jones has built a solid reputation in Major League Soccer as a versatile midfielder. He’s known for his strong defensive presence and his reliability on the ball.

His journey across several clubs has only sharpened his skills and impact.

Debut and Early MLS Years

You first saw Jones break into MLS with Philadelphia Union. After signing as a homegrown player, he made his debut in 2017.

Right away, you noticed his work rate and ball-winning ability in midfield. During those early seasons, he played both as a starter and off the bench.

He didn’t score much, but his defense and ball distribution stood out.

He anchored Philadelphia’s midfield rotation before a trade later in his MLS tenure. Jones always brought a calm presence and stuck to his defensive duties, setting a strong foundation for his career.

Major Transfers

Jones’s MLS career includes a few moves. After Philadelphia, he played for Nashville SC and Houston Dynamo.

After the 2021 and 2022 seasons in Houston, Jones landed in Columbus following a trade in December 2023. These moves show how much teams value his ability to add squad depth and versatility.

In December 2023, he signed a contract with Columbus Crew through 2025, with an option for 2026. That long-term deal signals how much Columbus trusts his experience and his ability to anchor the midfield.

Major MLS Clubs:

Club	Seasons	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Philadelphia Union	2017–2019	Varies	1	1
Nashville SC	2020	Varies	0	1
Houston Dynamo	2021–2022	20 (2021)	0	1
Columbus Crew	2024–	Active	0	0

Notable Performances

Jones isn’t known for piling up goals, but his defensive work and steady play in midfield really stand out. He often gets the job of shutting down opponents and keeping possession under pressure, especially in tight games.

He’s racked up a career total of one goal and three assists over more than 100 regular season appearances, proving he’s more of a facilitator and defensive shield than a scorer. His best games come when defensive structure matters most, and he’s always ready to make a crucial tackle or interception.

Fans and coaches appreciate his ability to fill different midfield roles. His versatility, along with his competitive edge, has made him a dependable option for several MLS coaches. For more on his current role, check out the official Columbus Crew website.

Previous Clubs and Development

D. Jones has built his career in American soccer across several teams and leagues, learning and adapting at every stop. His journey features time in top divisions and the USL, letting him refine his skills and grow as a midfielder.

Philadelphia Union and Bethlehem Steel

Jones turned pro with Philadelphia Union, joining as a Homegrown Player in 2016 and making his Major League Soccer debut in 2017. While still young, he moved between the Union and their USL affiliate, Bethlehem Steel.

He played mainly as a central or defensive midfielder. At Bethlehem Steel, he logged big minutes, developing his tactical sense and physical style in tough matches.

His performances caught attention, leading to more time with Philadelphia Union.

Philadelphia Union/Bethlehem Steel Key Stats

Team	Seasons	MLS Apps	USL Apps	Goals
Philadelphia Union	2016-2019	26	–	0
Bethlehem Steel	2016-2019	–	39	3

His Philadelphia stint set the foundation. You can see how this period was crucial for his jump to consistent first-team soccer.

Houston Dynamo FC and USL Experience

In 2021, Houston Dynamo FC traded for Jones. He brought experience and energy to Houston’s midfield, appearing in 20 matches his first season and providing an assist, mostly in a defensive role.

Houston’s roster gave him a chance to face strong attacking teams and work under pressure. For extra minutes, you sometimes saw Jones with the club’s USL Championship side, Rio Grande Valley FC.

That extra playing time helped him fine-tune his defensive positioning and ball distribution.

His Houston stint solidified his reputation as a reliable, physical midfielder. Jones’s versatility let him play multiple roles in the midfield, and that’s never a bad thing for any club.

Nashville SC and Charlotte FC

Let’s talk about Derrick Jones and his time with Nashville SC and Charlotte FC. When he played for Nashville SC, coaches put him in as a defensive midfielder, and he often came off the bench during those big, tense matches.

Jones brought solid minutes to a squad chasing playoff dreams.

Then he moved to Charlotte FC, and things changed. Suddenly he became a regular starter, and you could see him steadying the midfield for a young squad.

He stood out by winning tackles and keeping the ball under pressure. Watching him, you could tell he grew up fast—more mature, more consistent, and just flat-out more valuable.

That set the stage for his move to Columbus Crew.

Club Overview

• Nashville SC: Depth option, focused defensive duties
• Charlotte FC: Regular starter, leadership in midfield

From Philadelphia to Charlotte, Jones’s journey shaped him into the all-around midfielder you see now with Columbus Crew. Want more stats or a timeline? Head over to his player profile at Columbus Crew.

International Experience

Derrick Jones started building his international résumé early, suiting up for the United States at the youth level. He showed skill and determination during those appearances.

He took part in friendlies and major tournaments, gaining valuable experience.

Youth National Team Appearances

If you’ve followed the U.S. youth teams, you probably remember seeing Jones out there in the midfield. He made his mark with the U-20 squad, holding his own against some pretty tough international competition.

Coaches leaned on his steady passing and defensive work, giving him starts when it mattered most.

During camps and exhibition games, Jones brought energy and broke up the opposition’s rhythm. His height and presence helped against physical teams.

He kept earning call-ups thanks to his strong MLS form.

Here’s a quick look at his youth national team stats:

Team	Years	Caps	Goals
United States U-20	2017	5	0

Those performances definitely boosted his profile in MLS and prepped him for even bigger moments.

FIFA U-20 World Cup Participation

Back in 2017, Jones got the call to join the United States for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. That’s a big deal for any young player.

He played in the midfield through a tough tournament run, where the squad’s depth and resilience got tested.

He went up against teams from all over the world, adjusting to different playing styles and high-pressure situations. As part of the U.S. lineup in South Korea, he helped the team reach the quarterfinals before Venezuela knocked them out.

You could see his poise in the group stage—recovering balls, sparking transitions, doing the dirty work to let the attackers push forward.

He didn’t get on the scoresheet, but man, his work rate stood out.

Want to dig into his World Cup experience? Check out his 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup participation.

Key Tournaments and Achievements

Wearing #20 for Columbus Crew, Derrick Jones has built his reputation on steady performances in some of North America’s biggest competitions. As a midfielder, he’s battled at the highest domestic and continental levels, plus those key knockout tournaments.

MLS Cup Success

With Columbus Crew, Jones has played a role in a squad built for playoff runs and strong team structure. You notice his influence ramping up in high-pressure games, especially when the playoffs hit.

The Crew rely on players like Jones—guys with height, vision, and energy.

Here’s how a typical playoff season looks for a starting midfielder like him:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Tackles per game
2024	25	2	3	1.6
2023	22	1	2	1.7

Columbus Crew’s playoff hopes always come down to depth. Jones brings stability and experience in those crunch-time moments.

CONCACAF Champions Cup Participation

The CONCACAF Champions Cup? That’s a big test for any MLS player. Jones got his shot with Columbus Crew, facing tough squads from North and Central America.

The schedule is brutal, and every match pushes you to adapt and execute. Jones covers ground and breaks up play against fast, technical teams.

Fans want midfielders who can hold shape, win the ball, and support both defense and attack. Jones’s tactical awareness shines here, often leading to key interceptions or smart passes into the final third.

U.S. Open Cup Matches

Jones also makes his mark in the U.S. Open Cup, that classic knockout tournament open to clubs from all over the country. In the 2023 Third Round, he scored with a long-range strike—just a huge moment.

You can read about his Open Cup highlights against teams like South Georgia Tormenta FC at Columbus Crew’s official site.

Open Cup games are all about intensity. For midfielders, the matches come fast, and Jones has shown he can handle the grind.

His goals and defensive work are big reasons coaches trust him in the biggest moments.

Off-Field Aspects

Let’s shift gears for a second. Off the field, Derrick Jones’s career offers a window into MLS contracts, player movement, and all the financial mechanics that build rosters.

Jones’s path gives you a better feel for how modern MLS teams operate behind the scenes.

Contracts and Transfers

Derrick Jones signed with Columbus Crew through the 2025 season, and the club can extend it another year if they want. That’s a pretty standard deal for established MLS midfielders.

It gives the team control, but also some stability for the player.

He arrived in Columbus after a trade from Houston Dynamo, not through free agency. Jones has played over eight MLS seasons, moving from Philadelphia Union to Nashville SC, then Houston, and now Columbus.

Here’s a quick look at his transfer and contract history:

Year	Team	Movement	Contract Details
2023	Columbus Crew	Trade from Houston Dynamo	Through 2025, option 2026
2021	Houston Dynamo	Trade from Nashville SC	Standard MLS deal
2015	Philadelphia Union	Homegrown signing	Initial MLS contract

General Allocation Money

When Columbus brought in Jones, they likely used General Allocation Money (GAM). GAM is a key tool in MLS—teams use it to trade for players or cover part of a transfer fee.

Let’s say the Crew wanted Jones but needed to stay under the salary cap. GAM lets them offset part of his salary. It’s a clever way to make moves possible even when budgets are tight.

You’ll see GAM in a lot of trades, and it gives teams the flexibility to take risks or bring in experienced guys like Jones.

Club Option and Free Agency

Jones’s deal includes a club option for 2026. That means the Crew can keep him for another year without a new contract negotiation.

Club options give teams security but can leave players waiting to see what’s next.

If Columbus picks up the option, Jones stays on the same terms. If not, and he’s eligible, he can hit free agency.

MLS free agency is still pretty limited, but for veterans, it gives some control over their next move.

Knowing how this works helps you track where players like Jones might land and what clubs are thinking behind closed doors.

Personal and Community Impact

Jones isn’t just about what you see on the pitch. He’s known for his work in the local soccer community and the influence he has on younger players.

Community Involvement

You’ll often find Derrick Jones active in community programs, especially those focused on youth. He’s got roots with Junior Lone Star FC and really values giving back.

Jones volunteers at clinics and events, often teaming up with local charities and schools.

He works to promote soccer in underserved areas. He’s used his platform to highlight community needs and helped organize donation drives for gear.

His off-field work builds trust and brings fans closer to the Crew.

When Jones shows up at local events, you can tell he genuinely cares. He inspires both fans and young players, making the Crew a bigger part of Columbus.

Influence on Young Players

Jones sets a strong example with his journey, going from youth soccer to MLS. As an international player who started with Junior Lone Star FC, his story resonates with kids dreaming of making it big.

He spends time mentoring younger teammates and shares advice during training.

Whether it’s at schools or Crew youth clinics, you’ll hear him talk about work ethic and smart play over just raw talent.

Young players appreciate his honesty about mistakes and tough times. Jones doesn’t hide the hard parts, and that helps others build resilience.

His experience lets him connect with the next generation in a way that feels real and practical.

Legacy and Recognition

Derrick Jones? He’s got that rare mix of reliability and humility you just love to see. He’s not the flashiest name on the roster, but man, his milestones and the work he puts in off the field really do make him stand out.

You look at the numbers, and Jones has crossed the 100-appearance mark in MLS. That’s not something most midfielders can say.

Notable Career Stats

Statistic	Number
MLS Appearances	108
MLS Starts	64
MLS Goals	1
MLS Assists	3

Coaches and teammates always talk about his quiet leadership. They love his positive attitude, and honestly, you can see why.

Fans in Columbus respect how consistent he is, game after game. Jones keeps showing up, and that’s just not easy in this league.

His impact goes beyond the stats, though. People know what he means to the team and the community. That loyalty? It’s the kind of legacy that sticks with you.