Michael Owen told BT Sport last night that wonderkid Harvey Elliott has “astounded” him, in returning to full fitness so quickly. The Liverpool talent has spent six months on the sidelines – but started against Inter Milan.
Elliott, 18, fractured and dislocated his ankle in a 3-0 win over Leeds back in September – and has since undergone surgery and rehab to get back to his best. He came on for 30 minutes against Cardiff, and then Leicester.
On Wednesday night, he started in a midfield three alongside Thiago and Fabinho and lasted 60 minutes – as Liverpool secured a priceless first-leg win in the San Siro. Roberto Firmino opened the scoring with a header.
That was in the 74th minute, and less than 10 minutes later it was two – Mo Salah wrong-footing Samir Handanovic. Owen spoke about Elliott before the match, sharing he was shocked by how quickly Elliott has returned.
“Absolutely astounded he’s come back so quick, looking so sharp. It is a big vote of confidence [to start]. He’s obviously worked very, very hard, it is a big moment for him,” Owen told BT Sport before Liverpool’s 2-0 win.
Owen on Elliott: Liverpool have a superstar in the making
For any player to overcome such a crippling injury, it takes time for them to get back to their best. But for the elite, the cream of the crop, they can hit the ground running and come back as though they never left.
Elliott seems to have proven he is that man. Scoring against Cardiff with a gorgeous bit of technique, he also impressed against Leicester. In the San Siro, he was energetic, hard-working and certainly did not look out of place.
That is, baring in mind, it was his first start back from injury, his first Champions League outing, and only his 16th senior game for the Reds. He can cope with the pressure, the stress – and only the best can do that.
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