Jones ‘outstanding’ since becoming a father – Arne Slot | OneFootball

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has heaped praise on midfielder Curtis Jones, who has earned his third call-up to the England senior team for their upcoming Nations League matches against Greece and Ireland.

Jones, still awaiting his first senior cap, has been in excellent form of late and reflecting on the 23-year-old’s growth, Slot credited fatherhood as a possible catalyst for his recent standout performances.

“Curtis became a father, and that had nothing to do with me,” Slot joked.

“Since becoming a father, he has been delivering great performances. He showed promise during pre-season, but there was a dip in form.

“Since last month, he’s been outstanding again. It may be related to becoming a father, but more likely it’s a result of how well the team is playing. That benefits individual performances too.”

Jones has contributed significantly to Liverpool’s successes this season, including a crucial assist and the match-winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield last month. He also set up a goal in Liverpool’s recent 2-1 win against Brighton, which pushed the team back to the top of the Premier League table.

Slot highlighted Jones technical skill and confidence, adding: “He has great quality on the ball and isn’t afraid to attempt something special. While his confidence sometimes borders on over-confidence, it’s crucial for a player to have belief in their abilities. Plus, he has an outstanding work rate and is reliable defensively.”

Slot’s trust in Jones was clear during Liverpool’s recent Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen, where Jones played a key role in the 4-0 win, producing an impressive assist. The manager pointed out Jones’ ability to step up in high-stakes matches: “His battle against Cole Palmer was a testament to his commitment. If he wants to keep improving, he needs to maintain these performances consistently.”

Liverpool currently lead the Premier League table and will face Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday.