Michael Owen and Ian Wright have backed Harvey Elliott to finish his career at Liverpool and praised him for the ‘huge ascendancy’ he has had into the game.
Former Arsenal striker Wright claimed that 19-year-old Elliott has ‘unbelievable ability’, whilst Owen thinks he ‘certainly’ has the qualities to play in Liverpool colours for the rest of his career, as they told Premier League Productions (09/10/22 at 1:10 pm).
Prior to Ethan Nwaneri becoming the youngest-ever Premier League player at 15 years and 181 days for Arsenal last month, it was Elliott’s record that he broke.
The former Fulham player was 16 years and 30 days old when he first stepped foot into England’s top-flight and now he is a regular for Liverpool.
Elliott has featured in 13 games in all conceptions for Jurgen Klopp this season, scoring one goal, including starting two Champions League matches.
But when the attacking midfielder expressed a desire to play for Liverpool until he hangs up his boots, both Owen and Wright backed the player to do just that.
“Forget about the injuries, just making your debut at 16, that’s an awful lot to contain with mentally,” said Owen. “Then you talk physical things as well. I was 17 (when I made my debut).
“But he has a huge ascendancy into football and then getting a big move to Liverpool and having to rub shoulders with some of these great players, it takes a lot to contend with that mentally. Some are born to be on that level and some aren’t.
“He has mentioned that he wants to play for Liverpool for the rest of his career, well he certainly going on the right lines, but he will have to stay like this because, to be in that team for a prolonged period of time, then you have to be one of the best players in the world and he is heading that way. He certainly has the ability.”
Wright added: “With the ability he has got. Great left foot and vision. We have seen that he can get forward and score goals as well – when you look at his awareness, his passing and his moves. He’s someone who has got skills. Passes through lines.
“You don’t make your debut at 16, then go to a club like Liverpool without having the unbelievable ability and technical ability. We are seeing all of that now. We are hoping it continues, and if he can stay at Liverpool for the rest of his career, then it would be brilliant.”
ELLIOTT HAS THE WORLD AT HIS FEET
After returning from his loan spell at Blackburn Rovers last season, Klopp has used Elliott in a number of big games, even after he returned from the horror ankle injury he suffered at Leeds.
That in itself shows how much the Liverpool boss thinks of the youngster because, for such a young age, he plays with a lot of maturity.
Playing in the middle of the park in the Premier League and in the Champions League is never easy, but Klopp trusts Elliott to do so on a regular basis.
Liverpool’s current problems don’t help his cause because he was dropped to the bench over the weekend and he will be hoping to return to the XI ahead of his side’s visit to Rangers in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
