While there has been speculation over Harvey Elliot’s future, it’s now clear that the teenager will spend the 2021/22 season with Liverpool.
The 18-year-old is just sensational. Jurgen Klopp has tested him out in midfield during pre-season and he has acquitted himself brilliantly but it’s clear that his future lies in an attacking role.
He showed that he can play from a deep role against Athletic Bilbao with some great passes but when he was moved further forward he really came to life.
Liverpool supporters roared when he sent two Athletic defenders for a hotdog outside Anfield with a brilliant piece of skill.
He then crashed an effort off the midsection between the crossbar and the upright.
Harvey Elliott during the game between Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao 😳🎥#LFC 🔴 https://t.co/0PLA4VNkyq
— Reds Report (@_RedsReport) August 8, 2021
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Klopp has hinted that Elliott could be used as a striker but has all but confirmed that he will remain with the club.
He said: “He can play [centre mid]. He can play up front, the right-wing.
“He smashed the bar. He is different, he can play a few positions, no doubt about it.
“We wanted to try him in midfield in pre-season to get him more involved. He made big steps.”
While I haven’t seen the teenager play as a striker, I don’t doubt his ability.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 08: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Harvey Elliott of Liverpool during the pre season friendly match between Liverpool and Athletic Club at Anfield on August 08, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
While I still think Liverpool need to sign a striker, the fact that Elliott looks like such a massive talent, it’s hard not to be excited.
If Michael Edwards can sell Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri and sign a new forward, Jurgen Klopp’s front line would be well-stocked.
Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane as the two left-wings, a new striker and Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah and Elliott on the right is more than adequate.
It will still be touch and go in January when Mane and Salah leave for AFCON but fortunately, it’s likely they will only miss two Premier League games.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JUNE 24: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates with Sadio Mane of Liverpool after scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace at Anfield on June 24, 2020 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
As I’ve written a number of times recently, I cannot wait for the transfer window to end so we can get back to football and away from the toxicity of the constant rumours and so that the negativity that surrounds the window can end.
We know that Jurgen Klopp is a miracle worker and that there isn’t a manager that is better suited to working with the players at the club so hopefully we can see him work his magic again this season.
