Liverpool: 3 players who have what it takes to emulate Steven Gerrard

2. Curtis Jones

Age: 19

Position: Central-Midfielder

It was almost a carbon-copy.

In 2001, Steven Gerrard announced his name to English football with a thunder-strike in the Merseyside derby to secure a famous victory for the Reds.

Ironically it had been the same year Curtis Jones was born.

19 years later, on a cold January night, Curtis Jones did exactly the same thing against Liverpool’s ancient rivals.

Granted, Curtis Jones’ strike nestled into the top right corner of Everton’s goal, meanwhile, Gerrard’s thumped into the top left, but the strikes were eerily similar.

The 19-year-old has been making waves at Kirkby over the last few seasons. The scouse born midfielder has it all; flair, technique, pace and vision. He’s been tormenting academy defences for years.

Jurgen Klopp clearly likes what he sees. The German holds Curtis Jones in high regard and according to the latest reports, Klopp is keen to see more of Jones in the first team next season, with Liverpool unlikely to send the 19-year-old on a loan spell.

Jones matches up well to Gerrard’s fledgling senior career at Liverpool.

By the time Steven Gerrard turned 19, he had made a total of thirteen senior appearances for the club, scoring zero goals.

Curtis Jones turned 19 at the of January this year. By that time, he had made nine senior appearances for Liverpool and had already found the back of the net twice.

It is a positive omen, but it’s too early to say whether Curtis Jones will surpass Steven Gerrard.

There were many names in the past who came through the ranks at Kirkby and were labelled as the next ‘Steven Gerrard’ but succumbed to the hype and ultimately faltered. Jay Spearing, Jordan Rossiter, Adam Phillips and Conor Coady are just a few.

Out of all of those names, Curtis Jones has shown the most promise already.

The midfielder is versatile, able to play on the flanks, in the centre of midfield and has even played as a false number nine at academy level.

He is tenacious with a real fighting spirit, reminiscent of Gerrard in his early days.

In fact, Gerrard was crucial in Jones’ development. As the U18 boss during the 2017/18 season, Jones honed his skills first hand from the former Liverpool captain.

Curtis Jones thrived under Gerrard’s leadership scoring 16 goals in 25 appearances. This season he has 14 goals in 18 at academy level.

Those numbers are like Gerrard in his prime. The future is certainly bright for Curtis Jones and the sky is the limit.