Arne Slot copying Steven Gerrard and Jurgen Klopp Liverpool trick despite it annoying fans

manager has been happy to copy and Jurgen Klopp by putting his faith in dynamic midfielder Curtis Jones this season. The 23-year-old started his side's last weekend after featuring from the bench in the three preceding top-flight matches.

Slot's trust in Jones mirrors the decision of his predecessor in the Anfield dugout, as well that of Gerrard, who mentored the player when he was in charge of the club's under-18s side.

But the talented midfielder continues to divide opinion among Liverpool fans, with some believing Slot has better options at his disposal.

Jones has endured a string of injury issues during his time in the Liverpool first team but excelled when given a run of starts during the 2022/23 campaign. He is often utilised even when starting games on the bench and adds physicality and defensive know-how to the Reds team.

Liverpool fan YouTube channel analysed Jones' credentials last month as they asked why some supporters of the team get on his back.

And Klopp summed up the Englishman after a 5-1 Carabao Cup victory over West Ham last season as he explained: "We all know how good a player Curtis is.

"He's technically incredibly skilled, but he finds more and more direction in his dribbling - he gets better out of situations. And his pressing, counter-pressing, meanwhile, he sets the level, actually, how it should look. I'm really happy with that. It keeps every player in the game."

Gerrard oversaw Jones' development when the player was starring for the under-18s and attempting to break into the first team. And the Reds hero has been full of praise for the player in the past.

"Curtis is more talented than me in terms of technical, in terms of dribbling ability, in terms of manipulating the ball, close control," Gerrard told last year.

"He's a different type of player to me in that I was more of a runner, a passer. Curtis is more of an individual - a soloist, if you like."

Gerrard added: "I said to Jurgen, 'Stay with this kid, whatever you're thinking keep him and stay with him because he won't let you down'. Once you get him right and you've fixed the few little things that you need to fix, he won't let you down - he'll be there for you. I think he's showing Jurgen that now."

And Jones has also been lauded by England interim manager Lee Carsley, who stated last year: "Curtis would be up there with the most talented players I've worked with. He's got everything that you need as a midfielder. He can run, he is very, very fast, he's powerful, he can score, he can assist, he can defend, he can take the ball - all he needs is opportunity."