Photo credit: www.bbc.com
Arne Slot’s Challenge to Curtis Jones: A Call for Consistency
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has emphasized the importance of consistency in the performance of midfielder Curtis Jones, noting that “the best players in the world show up every three days.” This statement comes as Jones has been displaying remarkable form, contributing significantly to the team’s successes on the pitch.
Recently, Jones scored in a league victory against Chelsea and delivered a stellar assist for Luis Diaz during Liverpool’s 4-0 triumph over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. His impressive performances have earned him a spot in the England squad for upcoming November matches. While the 23-year-old has yet to earn a cap, he was recently recalled as an injury replacement, though he had to withdraw due to the birth of his daughter.
Reflecting on Jones’s recent improvements, Slot commented, “With Curtis maybe it’s not me who did it because he became a father and I had nothing to do with that.” He acknowledged the potential impact of fatherhood on Jones’s mindset and performance, stating, “Since he became a father, he started putting great performances in.” Despite an earlier dip in form during pre-season, Slot noted that Jones’s game has elevated again, possibly influenced by the changes in his personal life alongside the team’s dynamics.
After Slot took over for Jurgen Klopp, Jones himself remarked that the manager’s style suits him well, allowing him to be more involved on the ball. Slot praised Jones’s skill, stating, “He has a lot of quality on the ball and is never afraid to do something special with it.” However, he warned that at times, Jones’s confidence might lead him to overindulge in possession, urging the player to strike a balance between creativity and efficiency. “He combines this with an incredibly hard work-rate and we can trust him in defense,” Slot added, emphasizing the need for Jones to maintain consistency to reach his full potential.
Currently, Liverpool sits atop the Premier League, holding a two-point advantage over defending champions Manchester City ahead of their match against Aston Villa. The team is also performing well in the Champions League, leading their group after a perfect start of four wins.
Slot, who has managed to secure 14 victories across his first 16 matches, remains focused on continual improvement rather than getting caught up in the early success. “We are there to do our work and become better players on a daily basis or keep having the same level,” he remarked. Recognizing the club’s storied history, he insisted that the players understand the fleeting nature of competitive advantage and that focus should remain on effort and development rather than expectations.
He concluded, “The only expectations I have is that they put the same effort in on a daily basis. That’s the only thing we focus on.”
Source
www.bbc.com