Steven Gerrard heaps praise on Curtis Jones - as Liverpool icon insists the midfielder can become the 'Scouse heartbeat' of Arne Slot's side

• Steven Gerrard laid down his expectations on young Liverpool star Curtis Jones
• The Al-Ettifaq manager reminisced over Jones' impressive academy reputation
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Steven Gerrard has backed Curtis Jones to star for club and country for years to come after the 23-year-old scored on his England debut against Greece last week. 

The Liverpool legend applauded Jones' development and stated he envisions him becoming the Scouse heartbeat of Arne Slot's team.

After debuting under Jurgen Klopp in September 2019, it was not until last year that the midfielder took his first major step-up in performance.

The 2023-24 campaign saw Jones break into Liverpool's starting XI and earn more consistent minutes. As well as this, he received his first call-up as part of England's preliminary Euro 2024 squad.

Despite missing the cut for Gareth Southgate's final 26-man side, Jones has picked up right where he left off last season, battling Dominik Szoboszlai for Liverpool's starting No10 spot.

Now, Gerrard has revealed his excitement over Jones' progression trajectory, arguing that the Merseyside native could take a similar step up under Slot as he did when Rafael Benitez joined Liverpool.

'I have just known all along that with the right guidance and support he can become that Scouse heartbeat of the team,' Gerrard told The Times. 'And I think he is ready to be that heartbeat now.'

Gerrard reminisced on Jones' development in Liverpool's academy and stated that he never doubted his talent.

Shedding his wisdom, Liverpool's third-highest appearance maker insisted that consistent hard work is often a major stumbling block for young stars.

'He was a typical young kid coming through. Very technically gifted, very skilful, tight control. He could run, he still had a bit of growth to come,' Gerrard continued.

'The key thing for me with all the kids of that age is have they got that hunger and that drive? Are they prepared to make sacrifices in order to be consistent?'

The Al-Ettifaq manager went on to argue that Slot must nurture Jones' growth, akin to how Benitez did with him.

'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 onto that next level. He is still young,' Gerrard said.

'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.'