Curtis Jones on Liverpool’s Title Push and His England Ambitions | OneFootball

Curtis Jones: Rising Star, England Call-Up, and the Mentality of a Champion

Recognition for Hard Work

Curtis Jones’ latest England call-up is the clearest indication yet of his continued rise at Liverpool. Despite missing a crucial penalty in the Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain, the young midfielder was swiftly back on his feet, focusing on domestic and international commitments. His place in England’s 26-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia is further proof of his growing stature.

In an exclusive interview with The Athletic, Jones shared his excitement:

“I’m buzzing. To get called up shows how well you’re doing for your club.”

This season has seen Jones grow into a key figure for Liverpool under Arne Slot. His versatility, work rate, and confidence in possession have caught the eye, not just at Anfield but also within the England setup under new manager Thomas Tuchel.

Bouncing Back from Champions League Heartache

Tuesday’s penalty miss against PSG might have been a gut-wrenching moment for many players, but Jones’ response was a testament to his mentality. Some would have avoided the media spotlight, but instead, he embraced the moment, showing maturity beyond his years.

Photo IMAGO

“I went home and slept fine. I see it as part of my journey. I’m a confident lad and I’ve got trust in myself. My attitude is that I want the team to rely on me. That comes with risk and the possibility of failure.”

Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final victory against Newcastle at Wembley was an immediate opportunity for Jones to move forward, and he did so with composure. This ability to shake off disappointment and push forward is what separates top players from the rest.

Winning Over Tuchel and England’s Future

England’s midfield competition is fierce, yet Tuchel’s admiration for Jones was evident in their recent Zoom conversation.

“We had a Zoom call a couple of months ago. Thomas seems like a great man—very down to earth. He had a smile on his face. We were talking about our children.”

Photo: IMAGO

“He said he’s happy with the season I’m having and that I need to carry that on. It was a nice talk. It’s clear that he’s a fan of me. It’s so hard to get in that England team with so many talented lads. But I know what I have to do—playing regularly at this club, scoring goals and helping the team.”

Tuchel’s belief in him is significant. The England squad is packed with talent, yet Jones’ ability to impact games from multiple positions has made him a valuable asset.

Fatherhood and Personal Growth

Beyond football, Jones has found stability in fatherhood, which has helped him develop a sense of balance in his career.

“Becoming a dad has changed me. It’s made me realise there’s more to life than being a footballer. The most important thing now is being a great dad and making sure that the home is always a happy place for the baby.”

This newfound perspective has positively influenced his performances on the pitch. The weight of expectation at Liverpool can be overwhelming, but Jones appears to thrive on responsibility rather than be burdened by it.

Evolution Under Arne Slot

The transition from Jurgen Klopp to Arne Slot has been smooth for Jones, who has benefited from a more measured approach to midfield play. Slot’s tactics place a greater emphasis on ball control and structured build-up play, suiting Jones’ natural strengths.

“I could see from the first week’s training sessions that Arne was big on playing small-sided games. It was more the kind of sessions where I could show myself. I’m the kind of player who wants to take risks on the ball.”

His statistics this season reinforce his development: a pass completion rate of 93.6% among Premier League midfielders, three goals, and six assists in all competitions. More importantly, he has added consistency to his performances, a trait often missing in his earlier years.

Jones’ ability to play across multiple midfield roles has given Liverpool an added dimension, especially during an intense title race. His commitment to the squad mentality has also been key in keeping morale high, particularly with Slot’s rotational approach.

“It’s the way he explains things, it’s not that you aren’t starting because you aren’t good enough. You respect his plan as that’s the best setup for a particular game.”

Road to Silverware and International Stardom

Jones has yet to feature in a major final for Liverpool, but that looks set to change soon. He missed last season’s Carabao Cup final through injury and was unused in the FA Cup and Champions League finals in 2022. Now, he wants to be at the heart of it all.

“This time, hopefully, I will play a huge role. I don’t just want to be playing in the earlier rounds when certain lads are having a rest. I want to play in the most important games.”

With Liverpool on course for another Premier League title and the possibility of more silverware, Jones has a massive role to play. His childhood dream of being a key figure in Liverpool’s midfield is now a reality, and he has no intention of slowing down.

“I’ve come out the other side. That shows the mindset I’ve got—now I’ll keep pushing.”

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans will be expectant as Jones continues his rise. His ability to shake off disappointment and take on new challenges with confidence is reminiscent of the club’s greatest midfielders. The fact that Tuchel rates him highly for England duty further cements his reputation.

While some supporters have questioned whether Jones has the final-third output to match the very best, his numbers this season suggest he’s answering those critics. His work rate, tactical awareness, and pressing ability make him an invaluable component in Slot’s system.

With Liverpool pushing for silverware, Jones has the chance to make himself indispensable. Fans will expect him to play a decisive role in the upcoming fixtures. He’s no longer just a promising talent—he’s becoming a leader.