Aldridge notices one major way in which Liverpool starlet is maturing

John Aldridge believes Liverpool starlet Curtis Jones is becoming more disciplined and mature, backing the midfielder to have a long-term future at Anfield.

Jones has emerged as one of Liverpool’s most promising academy graduates since making his first team debut in 2019. He has since earned plenty more first team opportunities.

The 19-year-old has already made four appearances in the Premier League so far this season, including two starts. The most recent of those came in Liverpool’s last game, a 3-0 win over Leicester.

Jones lasted the full 90 minutes, putting in another mature display as he grows into a more important role.

Former Reds striker Aldridge, writing for the Liverpool Echo, says he has always been a fan of Jones ever since his days in the academy. However, he has now noticed some improvements in the teenager that could make him a star for years to come.

“I’ve been watching Curtis from about the age of 15 or 16 for LFC TV at the Academy and I knew he was the real deal,” Aldridge said.

“I knew with Trent [Alexander-Arnold] – you just know when there’s a special talent coming along.

“Okay there’s a little bit of bias with a local lad because you want Scousers in your squad but I could always tell that this lad had it.

“However, the way he played against Leicester was unlike the Curtis Jones I’ve watched in the past.”

‘World at his feet’

Elaborating on Jones’ display against Leicester, Aldridge praised how Jurgen Klopp has integrated the midfielder.

“It was a totally disciplined performance,” Aldridge said. “The manager has taken him and guided him in training.

“Before, it was ‘go and do what you want’. It was ‘attack, attack, attack’ and he’d have about 10 shots a game and was all over the place but this was tremendous.

“He was clued-up and defensive-minded in a way that showed more maturity.

“There was one moment where he just made the wrong option at that time but he’s got the world at his feet and is going to be in Liverpool’s team for years to come.”

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