What Curtis Jones no longer does as 'opinions have changed' over Liverpool

Curtis Jones has attributed "not overthinking everything" as a key reason behind the Liverpool form that is set to earn him his first senior England cap. Jones has enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign in a revamped Reds midfield under new head coach Arne Slot.

The 23-year-old, who has operated primarily as a number 10, has contributed a goal and four assists to a Liverpool team that stands five points clear at the Premier League summit, top of the Champions League table and has reached the League Cup quarter-finals.

Jones, who scored the winner for England in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship final against Spain last summer, is part of the Three Lions squad for the final UEFA Nations League games in Greece on Thursday and at home to the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.

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And while reiterating the more controlled style of play introduced at Liverpool under Slot serves better his natural game, the Reds midfielder has highlighted another factor to his consistency.

"A new coach has come in, there's going to be a new style of play and different lads are going to play," said Jones. "There were people who said it was going to take a while, but opinions have changed now. We are doing well in the Prem and the Champions League and the League Cup games we've played.

"I've improved but I'm almost on 150 games (for Liverpool), it's not like I've had 100 bad games and only been good in the last six. Jurgen (Klopp) and his staff always showed faith in me, I've had injuries and I've been out of the team. It's always hard when you're in and out of the team.

"But this is a point now where I've come in and played well and I've kept my place. I've always said the more games I have, the better I play. That comes from more experience and better fitness.

"I'm at a point where I'm coming into games and not overthinking everything and thinking, 'this is my chance, I really have to prove myself or I'm out the team'. I'm in the team and I've proved in the past games the player I am. I am just enjoying it more, I think. It's a style of play that suits me more and allows me to really be me.

"It's the maturity and experience, and kind of a fresh start as well. Jurgen and staff did an amazing job and Arne and his staff have come in and the style of play has changed, the way we go and press and stuff. It suits me more. I'll give it everything I can."

Jones, speaking to talkSPORT, added: "I just wanted to be accepted for me, the player that I am and the lad that I am. I work hard every day and try to be a good lad around the camp. But the most important thing is I'm starting to show I can score goals, I can assist and really help teams.

"I say it all the time that I just want to play with a smile on my face. I just want to enjoy it. Now I think I'm getting to the point where I'm getting the best out of myself. The (England) call-up will always come with form at the club. It shows I'm doing well. "