Steven Gerrard urges Liverpool to keep homegrown star pushing for more minutes

Curtis Jones could be on his way out of Anfield as he pushes for more gametime -Credit:Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Speaking during a visit to Malaysia, Gerrard stressed that Liverpool must hold onto the top performers from their Academy system, specifically mentioning Jones, whom he managed as Under-18s coach in 2018.

"I think the academy system at our club is crucial and vital," Gerrard said. "It's important we keep producing home-grown talents.

"I think naturally, being around the city, growing up in the city, we understand the demands of the club, the style, what the fans want.

"It's embedded in us because we know the city inside out. I wouldn't allow Curtis Jones to leave. I wished and hoped that Trent (Alexander-Arnold) didn't leave us.

"Certainly, you'll understand and respect every player has got their own career and can make their own decisions."

To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE

Gerrard added: "But it's very difficult to replace a player at Trent's level because he's world-class. Hopefully, hopefully, he might return one day.

"I think it's critical and key that we keep producing home-grown talent, and what you do have to say is that Liverpool have been really good at that.

"If you look back, Michael Owen, Jamie Carragher, Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman, Trent, myself, even the likes of players like Jay Spearing and Stephen Warnock who don't play the [same] amount of games, but they still come into the team and they understand the values and the principles of what we're about."