I was with Liverpool in pre-season - I saw why Curtis Jones has a bright future under Arne Slot
Curtis Jones has impressed for Liverpool so far this season
John Barnes has tipped Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones to thrive under new head coach Arne Slot. The Reds academy graduate turned out, arguably, his best performance since breaking through in a match-winning display at home to Chelsea.
Jones has found it difficult to cement a regular starting berth at Anfield, but his versatility allows him to plug different gaps, depending on the task, for the Dutchman. Slot has an embarrassment of midfield talent, with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch staking their claim for a midfield place.
The 23-year-old earned a maiden England call-up for his performance so far this season, but due to the birth of his first child, Jones had to withdraw from Lee Carsley's side. It is an important time for Liverpool's midfield after years of scrutiny surrounding the quality and depth of the position.
Liverpool missed out on the signing of Martin Zubimendi in the summer as the Reds suffered a high-profile transfer setback following the Real Sociedad midfielders' decision to stay put in San Sebastian.
Barnes believes the new brand of football under Slot perfectly compliments Jones. 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."