Curtis Jones will hope to make his first-ever senior appearance at Anfield on Wednesday night, as Liverpool host Arsenal in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
The 18-year-old is a prodigious talent who has been tipped for big things for years, making two Reds appearances to date.
He started and impressed in the third round win away to MK Dons and is in line to feature prominently against the Gunners.
In an interview with the Independent, Jones revealed that James Milner is his mentor at Liverpool, delivering “rockets” when they are needed, ensuring he doesn’t get sloppy:
When I started to show [things were easy] in the wrong way, he told me: ‘Look, you can’t be doing those type of things as the game gets bigger’… and I’m saying it in a lot better tone that he did.
Coming from him, it really opens your eyes.
It’s come to the time now where it’s the big opportunity I’ve been working for all of my life. When I get on the pitch, I need to shine, not be afraid of anything, and show the talent I am.
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In terms of natural talent, Jones is one of the most exciting academy players that Liverpool have produced in years.
Blessed with great balance, quick feet and underrated physical strength, he has all the tools to make it in the first-team.
The midfielder has been guilty of trying too much on the ball at times, but a maturity has appeared in his game for Liverpool’s Under-23s this season, where he has shone as captain.
Jones is one to watch at Anfield on Wednesday, and hopefully, for many years to come.
