Curtis Jones has opened up about the pivotal moment that Steven Gerrard intervened to set his career on the right track, crediting the club legend with saving his future at Liverpool. The midfielder, now with over 200 appearances for the Reds, reflected on a crucial early lesson from his idol.
The Academy Wake-Up Call
Speaking to LFCTV, Jones recounted his time under Gerrard in the youth set-up, describing a frank conversation that served as a major turning point. "Steven Gerrard has obviously been a huge part of my career and life," Jones stated. "I say life because he was probably the first man to really have a pop at me at the academy."
Jones admitted he had developed a complacent attitude, partly due to being a top performer in his age group and wearing the coveted number 10 shirt. Gerrard's direct approach forced a moment of self-reflection. "He just changed me to think: 'Yeah, I'm not better than anybody else'," Jones revealed. "It was a reality check in terms of the way I played and the role that he gave me."
The impact was profound because it came from a player Jones idolised. "Coming from a man like him, who played the game, who I idolised, I thought: 'I've got to change if it's him that's telling me'," he added.
From Reality Check to 200 Appearances
The guidance paid off. Jones made his first-team debut in 2019 and has now surpassed the 200-game milestone for Liverpool. He achieved this at 24 years and 317 days, becoming the youngest player to reach the mark since Gerrard himself, who did so at 23 years and 121 days in 2003.
Jones highlighted the trust that followed his attitude adjustment. "Steven would be the first to say that once I overcame a thing where I complicate things... I'd be the first man he'd pick on his team," Jones said. "From there he stuck with me and I stuck with him and we worked. A year after I'm around the first team and I'm stood here now on 200 games."
Establishing Himself Under Arne Slot
While not always a guaranteed starter, Jones's importance to the squad has grown, particularly during the 2025/26 season as manager Arne Slot sought consistency. His recent performances have made him increasingly difficult to drop.
Key contributions this season include:
- A standout display against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, where he completed 122 passes – a European record for a Liverpool player this season.
- A dominant showing against Inter Milan, completing 67 passes with a 96% success rate and covering 12km in a diamond midfield.
- A solid performance in a 2-0 Premier League win over Brighton, with a 92% pass success rate and winning 8 of 12 duels.
Jones's style is less about flashy highlights and more about effective, consistent midfield control. He acts as the team's engine, excelling at ball retention and smart distribution to more attacking players like Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.
A Vital Cog for Liverpool's Future
As Liverpool regained form heading into the festive period, Jones's resurgence felt like a new signing for the squad. His journey from a chastened academy prospect to a mainstay in the first team underscores the value of mentorship.
With fierce competition for places from Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch, Jones has forced his way into contention. His story is a testament to the lasting influence of club legends and the importance of humility in a player's development. For Liverpool's ambitions under Slot, both domestically and in Europe, a matured and focused Curtis Jones appears to be an indispensable component.
