Curtis Jones’ recent personal milestone has been credited by Arne Slot for the midfielder’s stunning form on the pitch.
The birth of his daughter Giselle last month appears to have spurred Jones on to impressive performances, netting once and notching up two Premier League assists, as well as another in the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen.
His crucial pass in the resounding 4-0 victory over Leverkusen marked his fourth set-up of the season, equalling his assist record from the last two seasons combined and bringing him tantalisingly close to surpassing last year’s total goal contributions.
At 23, Jones’ potential was further recognised with a call-up from England’s Lee Carsley for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, putting him in line for his first cap.
Amid questions whether late-night fatherly duties might hamper his success, Slot jovially remarked: “With Curtis, maybe it was not me that did it (improved his form). He became a father and I had nothing to do with that!
“Since the moment he became a father, he’s put in great performances. He also did it in the first few weeks we worked together and then his performances dropped a bit.
“Recently he’s been outstanding again. I don’t know if he has a lack of sleep. But you might get so much adrenaline… are you a father?
“I know there is no better feeling than becoming a father. That can help in the short-term with your performance. But that is more of a joke. It is more about team tactics.”
Slot confessed there were instances when Jones held on to the ball for too long, but he’s now shaking off that habit. He’s eager to see the midfielder shine again against Aston Villa on Saturday night as Liverpool strive to maintain their position at the top of the table.
He stated: “Sometimes that led to situations where he touched the ball a bit too much as he was a bit overconfident. He’s quite complete. Now for him it’s all about consistency.
“The best players in the world show up every three days. That’s what he has to show now.”
Jones has been putting in the hard yards, averaging 11.74km per 90 minutes in the league so far – a record unbeaten by anyone else in the Reds squad.
The local-born midfielder made sure he was match-fit in pre-season after taking a summer break.
Slot added: “He came back earlier than the others because he was in the Euros or Copa America so he had a good and long pre-season.”
“That maybe helps him now with the numbers you just said and physical output he brings.”