Liverpool legend John Barnes has backed midfielder Curtis Jones to flourish under new head coach Arne Slot.
The Reds academy graduate recently delivered arguably his best performance since breaking into the first team with a match-winning display against Chelsea at Anfield.
While Jones has struggled to secure a regular starting spot, his versatility allows him to fill various roles as needed by Slot.
The Dutchman has an abundance of midfield talent at his disposal, with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch all competing for starting places.
Jones, now 23, earned his first England call-up this season following impressive performances, although he had to withdraw from Lee Carsley’s squad due to the birth of his first child.
This is a pivotal time for Liverpool’s midfield, especially after years of scrutiny regarding their depth and quality.
Liverpool’s midfield rebuild suffered a setback in the summer when the club missed out on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who opted to remain in San Sebastian.
However, John Barnes believes Slot’s style of play is well-suited to Jones’s strengths and could enable him to reach new heights this season.
He said: “Curtis Jones has a bright future at Liverpool under Arne Slot, and I think he could have a bright future in the England team too.
“It’s only a matter of time before he wins his first senior cap.
‘In pre-season, he was one of the players who really enjoyed it.
“I was with him in America, and he’s one of the players that really liked Slot’s approach because that is the type of football Curtis wants to play in midfield.
“I think Slot’s brand of football really suits him.
“He had a little injury and lost his place in the team, but he’s coming back now.
“Every time he’s been fit, he’s been in the team.
“I know that Slot likes him and wants players like him.”
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