Curtis Jones shared reality check from Steven Gerrard that turned Liverpool career around
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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 milestoneCurtis 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. The young midfielder has now racked up over 200 appearances for Liverpool since his debut in 2019.READ MORE: Former Liverpool coach says he's open to Anfield return - 'Welcome to call me'READ MORE: Arne Slot can give Mohamed Salah exactly what he wants now as Liverpool gets timely reminderThis 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.
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. 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.