Jones, who signed a new long-term deal with the Reds in the summer, impressed on the left of Jürgen Klopp’s front three as Milton Keynes Dons were beaten 2-0 in the Carabao Cup.
Playing behind the Academy graduate at left-back was Milner and the experienced vice-captain saw plenty to be encouraged by from Jones.
“I’ve seen a massive difference in Curtis in the last year,” said the No.7. “He’s always had that ability but seems a bit more mature now; [he’s] defending well, getting his angles right when he’s defending.
“There are times when you need to encourage but also times where you need a rocket as well. Like I say, over the last year I’ve seen that difference in him. I think he’s realised as well that if you want to play for Liverpool, that’s as important as the stuff on the ball.
“Not only that, he’s got so much ability and skills and tricks, and it’s about using them in the right area. I think he’s learning that more and more now - you don’t want him doing it on the halfway line, you want him getting hold of it in the final third.
“That’s where you do your tricks and get people in the box. I said to him before the game, ‘I wouldn’t want to defend you in the box, so get them in there and drive at them’. He’s got great ability.”
Rhian Brewster, Harvey Elliott and Caoimhin Kelleher made their competitive debuts from the start at Stadium MK.
Ki-Jana Hoever was also in Klopp’s XI for the first time and marked the occasion with an emphatic headed finish from a cross by Milner, who had put Liverpool ahead in the first half.
“Harvey hasn’t been with us that long, you see how good he is on the ball, very comfortable, but he impressed me with his closing down and his reactions,” added Milner.
“Rhian is an out-and-out goalscorer, you know that he’ll score goals. [He’s got] that hunger and he’s learning from one of the best there is at the other side of the game, Bobby [Firmino].
“He is ruthless in front of goal, he’ll get plenty of goals. Ki-Jana, another one, great talent, very comfortable on the ball and great for him to get a goal, fantastic, and hopefully that will give him that boost.”