Steven Gerrard has recently discussed the importance of the Liverpool academy, what he wants to happen with Curtis Jones, and his one wish for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Gerrard remains the blueprint for an academy superstar, not just at Liverpool Football Club, but anywhere in world football. He knows better than anyone what it means to come through the system and carry the weight of a club on his shoulders.
Having watched Alexander-Arnold’s development from afar since his move to the Spanish capital at the end of last season, Gerrard is still hoping there could one day be a shock Anfield return.
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Steven Gerrard wants Trent Alexander-Arnold to return to Liverpool
Alexander-Arnold has broken his relationship with plenty of Liverpool fans.
Many would turn their nose up at the prospect of seeing him in a red shirt again after the nature of his exit. Gerrard is not one of them.
Speaking to BFM Radio in Kuala Lumpur, he explained why he would take No.66 back in a heartbeat.
He said: “I wished and hoped that Trent didn’t leave us.
“Certainly, you’ll understand and respect every player has got their own career and can make their own decisions. 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.”
It has not quite worked out at the Bernabeu, but Real Madrid still see Alexander-Arnold as a definite keep.
If he was to leave, though, it would be a fascinating conversation. Whatever Liverpool fans think of his exit, Gerrard is right on one thing — Alexander-Arnold is still a world-class talent.
Steven Gerrard does not want Curtis Jones to leave Liverpool
This academy talk comes at a time when Jones is considering his own Liverpool future.
Gerrard does not want to see him go. For all the focus on signings, every great Liverpool squad needs players who understand the club from the inside.
He added: “It’s important we keep producing homegrown 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.”
Jones leaving would make Liverpool’s midfield look concerningly light.
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But the biggest reason to keep him around is what he means to Liverpool fans, and what Liverpool means to him.
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