Curtis Jones could become the “heartbeat” of the Liverpool side according to Reds legend Steven Gerrard.
The midfielder has enjoyed an impressive debut season under new manager Arne Slot. The 23-year-old has made 13 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring the winner against Chelsea.
Jones also has four assists to his name. That has seen the academy graduate handed his debut cap for England, while he also scored his first goal in the 3-0 win against Greece in the most recent international break.
It comes after a number of seasons under Jurgen Klopp where Jones was always a first-team squad member but struggled to secure a regular starting berth. But ex-Liverpool star Gerrard never had doubts – and always saw Jones becoming a crucial player for the Reds.
“I have just known all along that with the right guidance and support he can become that Scouse heartbeat of the team,” he said to The Times. “And I think he is ready to be that heartbeat now.”
And while Gerrard was always a huge fan of Jones and his talents, one man was also expecting big things from the midfielder – ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. He added: “I remember having a conversation with Jürgen Klopp and saying he might need the guidance and arm around the shoulder from you a bit longer.
“Jürgen loved him as a player and as a kid but when he first went to Melwood [ Liverpool ’s former training ground] it probably wasn’t the time. He still played a bit like an academy player where a lot of people think it is about being on the ball all the time.”
And while Jones has finally established himself at Anfield, Gerrard believes that there is still more to come from him. He said: “Curtis still has a lot to learn, a lot of evolving to do. I am really excited to see how Arne Slot can take him on to that next level. He is still young.
“Rafa [Benítez] had to grab me to take me to another level, and the exciting thing for me looking in is that Arne seems the man who can really get Curtis to the next level. If he can get him there we will have a top, top international player on our hands. I am really excited to see his next 18 months and beyond.”
Jones will hope to earn another start under Slot this weekend. The Reds travel to the South Coast on Sunday for a clash with struggling Southampton.