Curtis Jones has praised Jurgen Klopp for his guidance and vowed to repay the boss’ faith after penning a new long-term deal at Anfield.
Academy graduate Jones, who made his senior debut against Wolves in last season’s FA Cup, has been rewarded for his progress.
Tellingly, his old deal had yet to expire, but the club were keen to underline their lofty expectations.
“I still had time left on my contract but the manager has showed that he wants to get me signed and wants to commit to working with me, and wants me to carry on working with him,” Jones told liverpoolfc.com after signing on the dotted line.
“It’s only right I show him how much of a part he has played for me and I’ll be giving back to him as much as I can.”
Jones, who was involved with the first team over the course of pre-season, feels he has benefitted hugely from Klopp’s strategy of identifying his weaknesses as well as offering him encouragement.
“For me, it’s just about coming in every day, working hard and trying to be the best player I can be,” he explained.
“Any time I’m doing well, the manager will come over and tell me; any time I need a bit of work on something he’ll always be the first to tell me.
“The talks with him are always positive, always helping me and guiding me on the right path.
“He’s the perfect man for it. That’s why it was an easy decision for me to sign.”
“At the point I’m at, coming from the Academy and going into men’s football, you need as much help as you can and as much honesty.
“The manager is exactly what I need. Every day I work with him is absolutely perfect for me and I’m only getting better.”
Turning his attention to his short-term objectives, Jones expressed his determination to earn a first Premier League outing in the coming months.
He also wants to fulfil his dream of scoring a first senior goal for the Reds.
“I would say that [last season] was my first proper season around the first team,” he said.
“Now, coming into my second, I’ve had a taste of what it’s like in the big world and against Premier League teams.
“It’s my dream to play for Liverpool in the Premier League.
“Now I’m hungrier than ever and I’m about to kick on and do the best I can to try to be a bigger part of the squad.
“I haven’t really pinpointed one [aim for the season] but it’s definitely to become a bigger part of this great team.
“Hopefully I can get a [Premier League] debut and get a goal and give the fans what they deserve.”
Jones’ ultimate goals are just as ambitious as supporters would hope.
He wants to wear the armband for his boyhood club as an ever-present in the side.
For now, though, he’s keeping his feet on the ground.
“Being the captain of Liverpool Football Club, playing every week and winning a trophy is definitely what I’m looking to do,” he declared.
“But I haven’t looked that far yet, I’m taking it step by step. My next step should be a big one and I can’t wait to see what it is.”
Jones will have to seriously impress on the training field if he is to force a way into a Premier League matchday squad, but it’s clear that he’s already very highly rated.
The 18-year-old is chomping at the bit for a big opportunity alongside the likes of Ki-Jana Hoever and Rhian Brewster.
He can certainly expect minutes in the domestic cup competitions and, next season perhaps, he’ll be handed a chance to show what he can do as a consistent starter out on loan.