Arne Slot Wants More ‘Consistency’ From This Liverpool Midfielder | OneFootball

Arne Slot Urges Curtis Jones to Embrace Consistency in His Game

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has called on rising midfielder Curtis Jones to add consistency to his performances, underscoring the need to ‘show up every three days’ like the world’s elite players.

Since taking the reins at Liverpool, Slot has already made his presence felt, pushing players like Jones to elevate their game. The 23-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance, including a vital goal in Liverpool’s recent league victory over Chelsea and a sublime assist that set up Luis Diaz in the Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen. However, Slot’s message is clear: talent alone isn’t enough; consistent performance is essential.

Slot’s High Expectations for Jones

Jones has been catching attention with his dynamic play under Slot, earning a call-up for England’s November fixtures after missing the last camp due to family commitments. Slot praised Jones’s technical ability and relentless work ethic but also pointed out areas where he can improve.

Photo: IMAGO

“He has a lot of quality on the ball,” Slot remarked. “He’s never afraid to do something special with it. Sometimes that leads to situations when, in my opinion, he touched that ball a bit too much because sometimes he’s a bit too over-confident.”

The Dutch manager recognises Jones’s potential yet emphasises the importance of reliability. “If he wants to continue progressing, that’s what he has to show now,” Slot noted. “The best players in the world show up every three days.”

Finding Inspiration in Fatherhood and New Team Dynamics

Slot hinted that Jones’s recent uptick in form might be partly down to life changes off the pitch. Since becoming a father, Jones has delivered some of his best performances, leaving an impression on the Liverpool faithful and management alike.

“With Curtis maybe it’s not me who did it because he became a father, and I had nothing to do with that,” Slot quipped. “But since he became a father, he’s outstanding again. It might have to do a bit with that, but in general, I think it has to do with how the team plays.”

Jones has previously spoken about how Slot’s tactics align with his strengths, noting that the manager’s style allows him more freedom on the ball. Slot’s philosophy offers Liverpool’s midfielders the opportunity to express themselves creatively while reinforcing discipline and structure, a balance Jones appears to be thriving under.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s Strong Start Under Slot’s Leadership

Liverpool sit at the top of the Premier League table, two points ahead of Manchester City, and have also dominated their Champions League group. Slot’s influence is evident, as Liverpool have managed an impressive 14 wins in his first 16 games since taking over from Jurgen Klopp. Yet Slot is quick to temper any talk of complacency within the squad.

“We are there to do our work and become better players on a daily basis or keep having the same level,” Slot stated. “I think for most of these players, it is a normal situation, and I don’t think they get carried away at all by us being top of the league.”

Slot’s focus is clear: fostering a culture of hard work and resilience rather than fixating on league standings or title talk. This mindset may prove crucial as Liverpool aim to maintain their form across all competitions.

Injury Update: Diogo Jota’s Expected Return

While Liverpool’s form is impressive, the squad hasn’t been without challenges. Forward Diogo Jota has been sidelined since the Chelsea match in October after sustaining a chest injury during a heavy collision. Slot confirmed that Jota’s recovery is on track, with a potential return one or two weeks after the international break.

Photo: IMAGO

Jota’s absence has been a test of Liverpool’s depth, but Slot appears confident that his squad can adapt and maintain momentum until the forward is fit to return.

Liverpool’s Journey Under Slot: Maintaining Momentum and Managing Expectations

Slot’s tenure at Liverpool has brought fresh optimism, but the manager insists on managing expectations. “I’m not trying to manage expectations with the squad because we don’t talk about expectations,” he clarified. “The only expectations I have are that they put the same effort in on a daily basis. That’s the only thing we focus on.”

As Slot and Liverpool continue their campaign, Jones stands as a key figure in the club’s pursuit of success. With a manager who values both talent and consistency, Jones is being pushed to reach new heights—something Liverpool fans will be eagerly watching in the coming months.