Danny Murphy has admitted that he was ‘shocked’ to see Jurgen Klopp include Harvey Elliott in his first XI for Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Saturday.
The 18-year-old midfielder played the full 90 minutes last night as Liverpool were held to a point by the 10-man Blues.
Despite his age and inexperience, Elliott, who only made his Premier League debut for the Reds last weekend, was brilliant and really reiterated his reputation as one of England’s most exciting teenage talents.
Murphy told The Mail: “I was shocked Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp picked Harvey Elliott because I didn’t think things quite came off for him against Burnley last week. To start an 18-year-old ahead of Naby Keita, Thiago Alcantara and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for a game of this magnitude this was a big call. The fact he stayed on for 90 minutes showed it worked.”
Coming of age
The Anfield club, who spent £4.3 million on signing the teenager from Fulham two years ago, had to settle for a point against a resolute Chelsea side, who played half the game with a man less after Reece James’s red card.
The clash might be remembered for the dodgy decision to dismiss the Blues right-back, but Liverpool fans could – and should – remember it for the coming-of-age display from their boy wonder.
Last night proved that Elliott is good enough to start games in the Premier League.
This was against a team who won the Champions League only a few months ago and even some fans of the Stamford Bridge club were gushing over him at full time, which speaks volumes.
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