James Milner has been singing the praises of Liverpool teammate Harvey Elliott.
The former Fulham starlet has been lighting up pre-season for Liverpool during the summer.
He has been so impressive, in fact, that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is going to keep him this season, rather than loan him out.
The 18-year-old dazzled during a loan at Blackburn Rovers last term, with the player himself admitting in April that he felt ready to stake a claim in Klopp’s senior squad.
And here’s what Milner said about the gem: “He’s a top player, I saw it the first time I trained with him. You could recognise how good he was, comfortable on the ball, good vision and a dribbler. It’s tough for him as well, coming back in after being away last season and getting back to how we play and it’s a different style to how most other teams play.
“I thought he’s had a good pre-season up to now and obviously the more minutes he gets in and around the boys in these games, the closer he will be.”
Gamble
Klopp has to be absolutely certain that Elliott is ready.
Yes, he tore up the Championship, but this is another level entirely and it’s important that everyone at Liverpool is confident that now is the time for him to shine.
That’s because Klopp’s side will be judged by whether they win the Premier League again or not this season.
And if the Reds lose Xherdan Shaqiri or Takumi Minamino, and promote Elliott instead of signing a replacement, it’s a risk that has the potential to backfire.
Liverpool kick off their season for real next weekend with a trip to newly-promoted Norwich City.
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