Curtis Jones shared reality check from Steven Gerrard that turned Liverpool career around

Curtis Jones has reflected on the crucial advice from Steven Gerrard during his academy days that helped transform his Liverpool career as he reaches the 200-appearance milestone

Curtis Jones (left) and Steven Gerrard in 2017(Image: Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Curtis Jones has frequently been the unsung hero for Liverpool. Despite a shaky start to the campaign, Arne Slot's side began to hit their stride as the festive period approached, claiming wins in both European and Premier League fixtures.

Liverpool's upturn in form appears to align with Jones' outstanding displays in midfield. The 24 year old academy product is battling for a place in the starting XI alongside the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Domink Szoboszlai.

Szoboszlai, in particular, has been in blistering form this season, garnering praise from supporters across the globe for his reliable showings in the red shirt. However, it's perhaps even more impressive that local lad Jones has managed to flourish in such a competitive squad. The young midfielder has now racked up over 200 appearances for Liverpool since his debut in 2019.

This represents a remarkable achievement for someone who hails from the local area, becoming the youngest player to reach the double-century milestone since Steven Gerrard in 2003. Jones hit this landmark at 24 years and 317 days, whilst Gerrard managed it at 23 years and 121 days.

Speaking to LFCTV after the match, Jones recalled a crucial moment from his formative years when Gerrard himself stepped in to shape the young midfielder's path.

"Steven Gerrard has obviously been a huge part of my career and life," Jones reflected, discussing his time under Gerrard in the youth set-up. "I say life because he was probably the first man to really have a pop at me at the academy, and just changed me to think: 'Yeah, I'm not better than anybody else'.

"It was a reality check in terms of the way I played and the role that he gave me. Steven would be the first to say that once I overcame a thing where I complicate things and thought I was the man because I had a [number] 10 on my back and things like that, I'd be the first man he'd pick on his team."

Curtis Jones has been performing well for Liverpool in recent times(Image: Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

He added: "That came with him. I'd always been a kid that was top of the age group and at times I'd become a little bit passive I'd say. Steven was the first one to give me a real check. 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'.

"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, so he's obviously a man that I'd like to thank as well."

Jones has appeared sporadically in Slot's squad since the Dutchman arrived, and despite making his debut six years ago, the midfielder has yet to establish himself as a guaranteed starter. However, the tide seems to be turning for the Englishman, who is making a strong case to become a regular fixture in the starting XI.

Curtis Jones revealed the moment Steven Gerrard gave him a proper talking-to(Image: Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Jones, who's never hesitant to take control of the ball, delivered a noteworthy performance against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League earlier this season. Partnering with Szoboszlai in the double-pivot, he completed 122 passes - the highest number by a Liverpool player in Europe, as per Opta.

Liverpool's form took a hit after their 5-1 demolition of the German side, with only a victory over Real Madrid interrupting the downturn. However, when the Reds began to regain their stride in December, Jones showcased why he merits a regular place in the starting eleven.

At times, a player finding their stride can feel like a fresh signing. If Liverpool are to regain their stride and target the pinnacle of both European and domestic leagues, it's clear that Jones will play a crucial role in Slot's game plan, much of which can be attributed to the wise counsel from club legend Gerrard.