KUALA LUMPUR: Steven Gerrard has urged Liverpool not to sell Curtis Jones, saying the midfielder represents the club’s vital ‘Scouse’ heartbeat and identity.
Gerrard, who was in Malaysia last week, told a meet-and-greet session it was crucial for Liverpool to continue producing and retaining academy players who understood the club, the city and the supporters.
The Liverpool legend was in Kuala Lumpur to promote the AllStar Legends friendly on Oct 3, although his participation remains uncertain as he is heavily linked with the Burnley manager’s job.
Reports in England suggest Gerrard has already held several meetings with Burnley officials following the club’s relegation from the Premier League and the dismissal of Scott Parker.
Speaking to the media last week, Gerrard said he expected to confirm his involvement in the AllStar Premier Legends team within two weeks.
However, it was his passionate defence of Liverpool’s academy identity that resonated most strongly with supporters.
On Jones, who has attracted interest from several clubs including Inter Milan, Gerrard said: “I wouldn’t allow Curtis Jones to leave. The academy system at our club is crucial, and it’s vital that we keep producing home-grown talent.
“Naturally, growing up in the city means we understand the demands of the club, the style of play, and what the fans want. Those values are embedded in us because we know the city inside out.
“I had wished and hoped that Trent (Alexander-Arnold) didn’t leave us. You understand and respect that every player has their own career and must make their own decisions. But it is very difficult to replace a player at Trent’s level because he’s world-class. Hopefully, he might return one day.”
Gerrard said Liverpool had a proud tradition of promoting young players into the first team, citing Michael Owen, Jamie Carragher, Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman as examples.
“Even players such as Jay Spearing and Stephen Warnock, who may not play regularly, still come into the team understanding the club’s values and principles,” he said.
Burnley appeal
Wales manager Craig Bellamy, Gerrard’s former Liverpool teammate, was also linked with the Burnley vacancy. However, reports suggest he is reluctant to return to the club where he served as Vincent Kompany’s assistant from 2022 to 2024.
Bellamy left Burnley following the club’s relegation to the Championship in 2024 after Kompany departed to take charge of Bayern Munich.
Despite Wales failing to qualify for the World Cup after losing 4-2 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoffs, Bellamy remains highly regarded by the Football Association of Wales.
If Gerrard takes over at Burnley, he is unlikely to feature in the AllStar Premier Legends match against the AllStar World Legends.
Six former stars have already confirmed their participation — Jaap Stam, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Ian Harte for the AllStar Premier Legends, while Dida, Javier Saviola and Maicon will represent the AllStar World Legends. More names are expected to be announced closer to the match date.
Gerrard’s top five teammates
During the press conference, Gerrard named his five greatest Liverpool teammates — unsurprisingly favouring attacking players.
Without hesitation, he picked Luis Suarez first. The Uruguayan enjoyed a sensational 2013-2014 campaign, scoring 31 goals and producing 12 assists in just 33 matches as Liverpool narrowly missed out on the Premier League title.
Next was Fernando Torres, whose near-telepathic partnership with Gerrard produced 146 combined goals across three-and-a-half seasons — 81 from Torres and 65 from Gerrard.
Midfield maestro Xabi Alonso was Gerrard’s third choice. Many Liverpool fans continue to view the Spaniard as a future Liverpool manager. Alonso and Gerrard formed the heartbeat of Liverpool’s midfield between 2004 and 2009, with both scoring in the famous 2005 Champions League final comeback against AC Milan.
Gerrard also selected McManaman, despite playing alongside him for only one season before the winger joined Real Madrid. Their brief partnership during the 1998-99 season left a lasting impression on Gerrard, who has often described McManaman as a major influence on his career.
Last but not least was Robbie Fowler, whom Gerrard described as the best striker in the Premier League during their time together. The pair played together from 1998 to 2001, and again during Fowler’s return between 2006 and 2007.
@twentytwo13news Steven Gerrard, who made a brief stopover in Kuala Lumpur today, named his top five Liverpool teammates. The retired Liverpool superstar was in town to promote the AllStar Premier Legends vs AllStar World Legends match at National Stadium Bukit Jalil on Oct. 3. Players confirmed for the match include Jaap Stam, Eidur Guojohnsen and Ian Harte for the Premier Legends, and Dida, Javier Saviola and Maicon for the World Legends. #football #liverpool #malaysia #twentytwo13 ♬ original sound – Twentytwo13
