Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones is on the brink of earning his first senior England cap this week, as Lee Carsley’s squad takes on Greece in Athens and then hosts the Republic of Ireland at Wembley. Jones has been included in two previous England squads but has yet to step onto the pitch, but his fine club form this season makes it seem likely that this will be the moment he finally makes his international debut.
For the 23-year-old, the call-up represents not just a personal milestone but also a testament to his impressive performances under Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot. Since Slot’s appointment in the summer, Jones has seen a remarkable resurgence in form, and he credits the Dutch manager’s tactical approach as a major factor in his renewed confidence and performances. With Liverpool currently sitting at the top of the Premier League, Jones’s contributions have been central to their strong start to the season.
Jones Praises Slot’s Influence on His Game
In a recent interview, Jones spoke candidly about the positive changes he’s experienced under Slot’s leadership, emphasizing how much the new style of play has suited him. “I feel that I’m at the point now where I’m enjoying it the most that I have,” Jones said. “The style of play suits me, and the love that I’m getting from the coaches and staff all around has been really special.” He went on to explain how Slot and his coaching team have implemented a more pressing, high-intensity style of play, which Jones believes fits his attributes and allows him to express himself more freely on the field.
“It’s a fresh start for me,” Jones continued, “and I’m giving it everything I can. I’m really enjoying it, and the most important thing is that I’m playing with a smile on my face.” For a player who has often had to deal with injury setbacks and periods of inconsistent form, this renewal under Slot is a much-needed boost for both his club and international aspirations.
A New Look Liverpool: Top of the League and Thriving Under Slot
Liverpool’s impressive start to the season—sitting atop the Premier League table with nine wins from their first 11 matches—has been a clear reflection of the impact that Arne Slot has had since taking over from Jurgen Klopp. While Klopp’s tenure at Liverpool will always be remembered for its incredible successes, Slot’s fresh ideas have reinvigorated the squad, with several players, including Jones, looking like they are playing some of the best football of their careers.
Jones, in particular, has flourished in this new setup, playing a more prominent role in the midfield as Slot looks to implement a more dynamic and fluid style of football. With Jones playing a key part in Liverpool’s rise to the top of the table, he is now eager to replicate that form on the international stage. The upcoming Nations League matches provide the perfect platform for him to showcase his talents and prove he can deliver for England just as he has for Liverpool.
Jones Eyes First England Cap with Determination and Confidence
Jones has always been confident in his ability, and his inclusion in Southgate’s squad is a reflection of that belief. “I will approach the game trying to prove to everybody that I’m the player that they say I am, and the player that I’ve always been since I was a kid,” he stated. Despite not having played for England at senior level yet, Jones feels he’s ready to make his mark. He added, “This call-up is huge for me, and I know I can handle the pressure. I’ve played in the Champions League, in the Premier League—it’s the same intensity, the same crowds, and the same high stakes.”
Jones’s mentality going into the match is one of focus and freedom. “My approach is just exactly the same as I would with Liverpool—try to be me, try to play free with a free mind, and not overthink anything,” he said. With Carsley’s England needing a win to continue their Nations League campaign, Jones will be eager to seize the opportunity to earn his first cap and contribute to an important victory for the Three Lions.
Cody Gakpo’s Evolution Under Slot: A New Role on the Left Wing
Jones isn’t the only Liverpool player thriving under Arne Slot’s new system. Cody Gakpo, who has had a more difficult time adjusting since joining the club from PSV Eindhoven, has also been rejuvenated by the tactical shift. Under the new manager, Gakpo has been shifted from a central role to a left-wing position, a position he’s much more familiar with from his time at PSV.
In an interview, Gakpo explained his transformation under Slot, saying, “This season the new manager came in, and I had a talk with him. He said, ‘You have to focus on the left-wing position… this is your position when you come on or when you start.’” For Gakpo, this change has felt like a return to his roots, and he has found new joy in playing in a position that allows him to use his pace and creativity more effectively. “It felt a little bit, for me, like the old me, like what I did at PSV,” he said. “I feel really good in this position and I’m trying to show my best to everybody.”
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Liverpool’s Squad Under Slot: A Strong Contender for Silverware
Liverpool’s impressive run under Arne Slot has not just been about individual players like Jones and Gakpo, but the team as a whole. Slot’s high-pressing, possession-based style has had an immediate impact on the club, with Liverpool looking more cohesive and tactically astute than they did under Klopp in the final months of his tenure. The team’s adaptability and the collective mindset that Slot has fostered have been key to their success, and they now find themselves in pole position for a title charge.
As the season progresses, Liverpool’s depth of talent and their newfound tactical flexibility under Slot will only become more crucial. With players like Jones in form, and Gakpo finding his rhythm, the club will be hoping for continued success both domestically and in Europe.
Next Up: Southampton and Real Madrid
Following the international break, Liverpool will return to Premier League action with a trip to Southampton, where they will be looking to maintain their momentum. Slot’s side has shown resilience, and their ability to pick up points consistently has set them up for a strong challenge in the second half of the season.
However, it’s the looming Champions League clash against Real Madrid that has many fans excited. A fixture that has become one of Europe’s most prestigious, Liverpool’s upcoming meeting with Los Blancos promises to be an exciting test of their credentials. The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and will provide another chance for players like Jones to demonstrate their quality on the biggest stage.
The Future Looks Bright for Curtis Jones and Liverpool
Curtis Jones’s potential debut for England could be just the beginning of an exciting chapter in both his career and Liverpool’s trajectory under Arne Slot. With his confidence growing under the new manager and his performances continuing to impress, Jones is proving that he has the talent and mentality to thrive at the highest level. As he prepares to make his mark on the international stage, both he and Liverpool will be hoping this is just the start of many more accolades to come.
Liverpool fans can rest easy knowing that under Slot, they have a team capable of achieving great things this season, and with players like Jones leading the charge, the future at Anfield has never looked brighter.
