Liverpool star Curtis Jones has supposedly stated he’s thriving because of Arne Slot seeing him for what Jurgen Klopp couldn't. Jones has been somewhat of a revelation for the Reds’ Dutch boss, starting 10 of their 19 Premier League games while contributing three goals and offering a calming presence to the midfield.

However, the 23-year-old caused a stir in pre-season when he admitted he was "probably the happiest" he’s been on a football pitch under Slot - with some seeing this as disrespectful towards former manager Klopp. These comments were classily elaborated on, with Jones clearly meaning well.

Yet, Rio Ferdinand has now revealed more praise he's piled on Slot. Jones said a key difference between the two managers is that his current boss sees him for the player he is and has learned to utilise him better, according to Ferdinand.

READ MORE: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia transfer 'verbal agreement' reached as Liverpool told terms of deal

READ MORE: Ibrahima Konate shares concerning injury update despite Liverpool return

“I was talking to him (Jones) about what’s the difference for him this season,” Ferdinand revealed, speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel. “He said: ‘I just feel like I’ve got a manager who is actually seeing me for what I’m good at and for what I am'.”

Such a comment supposedly made by Jones mirrors those made in pre-season, when the two-cap England international admitted: “[I’m] probably the happiest I’ve been in terms of a style of play that suits me.”

Following his Three Lions call-up in November, Jones made another similar salute to his game in the post-Klopp era at Anfield. “I feel that I'm at the point now where I'm enjoying it the most that I have,” he said.

“I say that in terms of style of play that suits me and the love that I'm getting from the coaches and the staff all around. Arne and his staff have come in, and the style of play and everything is changing - the way we go, press, and stuff.

"I think it suits me more. As a fresh start I'll give it everything I can. I’m really enjoying it and the most important thing is that I'm playing with a smile on my face.”

It seems clear that the boy who was raised in Toxteth is particularly enjoying his football under Slot, and his comments do offer up a slightly damning picture of the departed German, who it seems may not have been able to utilise Jones to his full potential.

However, as the 23-year-old himself has previously clarified, such statements do not, in fact, mean that he didn’t have a joyous and prosperous time under Klopp. Speaking to RedMen TV at the beginning of this season, Jones clarified: “The principles are always the same; we want to work hard, press, and dominate teams.

"That’s what I think came across a little bit wrong, [which is why] I’d like to say on this now. I’ve seen things that made it seem like I was disrespectful in a way [to Klopp].

“But Jurgen knows I’d never be that kid. He knows how much I love him and that I love all of his staff. But it was just me saying that how I’m going to play now is a little bit of a change.

“He gave me the platform and belief in myself to know that I’m a kid who can step up as well. How many games have I played? It’s all because of him. There were times I was being told ‘he needs to go out on loan or leave the club’, but he was the man who stuck there the whole time.”