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Steven Gerrard has hailed the performances of Liverpool's academy graduate Curtis Jones this season. The midfielder previously played under the Reds legend for their under-18s before breaking into the first-team. He has since become a key part of Arne Slot's Anfield revolution this season as well as making his international debut. Jones' success is not a surprise to Gerrard, though, who worked with him as a 16 and 17-year-old. Under him, the local lad scored 16 goals and provided six assists in just 25 appearances for the under-18s during the 2017/18 season. He would go on to make his first-team bow the following campaign whilst still just 17. Reflecting on Jones' achievements already in his career, Gerrard told The Times: "What he has achieved so far has come from him. He’s done it. "The majority of players at good academies will get really good advice, really good guidance, really good support. "There are a lot of really good people who will guide them and shape them and let them grow and go through the journey with them. "Then you need a little bit of luck, and then you need a good manager who will continue with your development. "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 made his England debut earlier this month, scoring in a man of the match display against Greece. It followed a goal and four assists in 13 matches for Liverpool already this term. Those appearances have already taken him to 146 for the club two months ahead of his 24th birthday. Meanwhile, Jones has also won six trophies with the Reds including the Club World Cup and Premier League. Liverpool return to action on Sunday away to bottom of the table Southampton. Jones has failed to score or assist in his three previous meetings with the Saints. © 2024 talk SPORT Limited
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