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Harvey Elliott can make Liverpool statement over next 18 months
Liverpool are in a position right now where you have to be an incredibly special player to break into their squad, which says everything about the talent Harvey Elliott possesses right now.
The 18-year-old has had a whirlwind career already, coming into the Premier League as a 16-year-old for Fulham before making a big-money move to Anfield before he’d even signed professional terms.
A season-long loan deal with Blackburn followed where he shone as a youngster, registering seven goals and 11 assists in the Championship to prove he isn’t just hype and there is true talent there too.
He started the season as a member of Jurgen Klopp’s first-team squad, with many expecting him to feature heavily in cup matches and get some token minutes in the Premier League while he developed his skillset and mindset. Instead though, he was given the nod and started in three of the first four Premier League games of the season before disaster struck and he suffered a dislocation and fracture of his ankle.
Liverpool moved on without him as they would be expected too, such is the quality of their squad. He was barely missed, but as he worked hard and got back to fitness, he’s also worked his way back into the side and featured in the Carabao Cup final, FA Cup quarter-finals and Champions League last 16 clash with Inter Milan.
His ability to take a game to the opponent with his dribbling and constant demanding of the ball, even when under pressure, shows what a true gem of a footballer they have. It’s no surprise that his talent has seen him named by some as a wildcard shout for the Qatar World Cup at the end of the year too.
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But as Liverpool continue to push for an unprecedented quadruple this season, Elliott is very seriously in the equation to help them achieve it. If he does that, and continue to shine in midfield or on the wing for next season then it will be very difficult for Gareth Southgate to ignore him.
He has the talent, the quality and the time on his side. Southgate has never been scared to make big decisions and neither has Klopp, so he’s got the perfect environment to blossom and become a main man at club and international level over the next 18 months and beyond.
In other Football Wonderkids news, Carney Chukwuemeka should leave Aston Villa this summer to spread wings and blossom.