James Milner has had a big impact on Curtis Jones at Liverpool, according to The Athletic‘s Simon Hughes.
Jones has already enjoyed a meteoric rise at Anfield, going from academy prospect in no time.
The 20-year-old has already made 27 appearances in all competitions this season and was excellent in Tuesday’s 2-0 win away to RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
It look as though Milner’s demands and professionalism have rubbed off on the youngster, with Hughes stating that the veteran ‘would openly challenge Jones in front of team-mates on the training pitch’.
It is described as ‘character building’ for Jones, whose response to the ‘grillings’ ensured they ‘earned him the respect of the senior professionals’.
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Jones couldn’t ask for a better colleague to work alongside than Milner, with the 35-year-old now playing at the top level for nearly 20 years.
He demands perfection from himself and those around him, which is why he has played such a key role in Liverpool’s success under Jurgen Klopp.
When it comes to natural talent, Jones is an outrageous young footballer, but ensuring his work ethic and all-round game are immaculate will be the key to him becoming a future superstar.
He has already shown great maturity this season and it looks as though Milner’s antics have paid off handsomely.
