Emmet Gates has given a glowing endorsement of Liverpool's up-and-coming midfielder Curtis Jones.
However, the journalist has warned patience is needed to let the Reds academy product 'grow and develop' at first-team level.
What's the latest news involving Curtis Jones?
It has been a promising start to the season for Jones.
The 20-year-old ran the show in Liverpool's 5-1 Champions League win over FC Porto, where he had four efforts at goal, completed as many dribbles and provided two assists.
However, his performance against Manchester City was a little underwhelming, barring a fortuitously awarded assist for Mohamed Salah's stunning solo goal.
Jones registered just one key pass and one tackle while failing to record a single shot, and Gates himself has admitted that the game passed the young Englishman by.
Nonetheless, it's clear Jones is a youngster with a lot of potential. He already has 17 goal involvements for Liverpool from just 53 appearances and seems to be relatively high up in Jurgen Klopp's pecking order.
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What has Emmet Gates said about Curtis Jones?
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Gates claimed Jones has a bright future ahead of him - but warned that it could still take some time for him to fully develop.
The journalist told GMS: "I've been impressed with Jones from the games he's started this season. He has a very bright future. Klopp is fond of him and says there is a lot of potential. And I think patience is just needed. That's the key word - patience. Let him grow and develop."
What is Curtis Jones' position?
Jones is a central midfielder, although he has made appearances in a number of different positions for the Liverpool first team, ranging from right-back to left wing.
Nonetheless, the England U21 is best described as a forward-thinking central midfielder. He's already produced a healthy supply of goals and assists for Liverpool's first team and has this season shown a greater consistency in setting up his team-mates.
Jones could most likely play as a No.10, however Klopp's system rarely deploys them with the centre-forward - usually Roberto Firmino or Diogo Kota - dropping deep instead.
Did Curtis Jones get a medal?
Jones received a winners' medal when Liverpool lifted the English title in 2019/20.
The Premier League's official website lists him as a champion for that season which saw the youngster make six appearances in the top flight, with only one of those being a start.