The Athletic: Liverpool have sensational player that could play ‘David Silva’ role under Klopp

Harvey Elliott has excelled on loan at Blackburn Rovers this season and now the Athletic's Mark Carey suggests that he could play a ‘David Silva’ role under Jurgen Klopp.

We reported exclusively in mid-April that negotiations had started between Blackburn and Liverpool over a potential extension of Elliott's loan under Anthony Mowbray, with the 18-year-old excelling at Ewood Park.

Nothing has been agreed yet but the future is bright for the sensational Elliott, who has now been tipped to shine in a 'David Silva' role at Anfield in the future.

Mark Carey writes: “Elliott has the ability to add more goals to his game by getting into better areas to shoot and perhaps become a little more selfish.

“However, if he isn’t going to be the ruthless goalscorer that Liverpool have had over the years, then Klopp is one of the best in world football at crafting a position that best suits the attributes of his players.

“Could the youngster benefit from a ‘David Silva’ role where he picks up space in central areas as an advanced ‘free eight’?

“Elliott could be drafted in an inside-right position in midfield, in the mould of Xherdan Shaqiri – bringing some added flair to a traditionally workmanlike midfield in recent years.”

Jurgen Klopp has developed several Liverpool players into top-class players, with Georginio Wijnaldum's transition from an attacking midfielder into a top no.8, Trent Alexander-Arnold's revelation as an incredible attacking fullback and Mohamed Salah's explosion into the best right-winger in the Premier League a few examples of his class coaching.

Elliott could benefit from this when he eventually joins the Liverpool first team with the priority currently on ensuring his development continues.

Getting game time in the Premier League is something the club wants but we understand they're worried he won't get the game time he needs if the team he joins is under pressure for results.

Liverpool have a wealth of young talents but Elliott is their crown jewel and should he fulfil his potential, there's no doubt he'll be world-class.

It's unclear whether or not he'll reach the heights David Silva did during his career, with the Spaniard amassing four Premier League trophies, two FA Cups, five League Cups as well as winning the Copa Del Rey with Real Sociedad.

He also won the FIFA World Cup once and the Euros twice with Spain.

Elliott has made a fine start to his professional playing career, having a hand in 18 goals for Blackburn this season.

He is playing in the Championship so the levels are lower than the Premier League but he's doing so at the age of 18.

Elliott's time to shine for Liverpool will come but for now, the focus from the club is to keep him playing as regularly as possible until he is ready to make a significant impact at Anfield.