Liverpool teenager Harvey Elliott has told Pro: Direct Soccer that he ‘tried’ to base his game around Neymar.
But Elliott shared that he quickly realised that ‘it’s not all about the tricks’ and if he is doing such things coming through as a youngster then ‘you are just going to get snapped’.
Elliott has started back-to-back games for Liverpool this season, including on Saturday, as Jurgen Klopp’s side recorded a 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
It has been some rise for Elliott and he will be hoping to put many opposition defences on their backsides as Neymar likes to do on a weekly basis.
Nonetheless, this is what Elliott had to say about the PSG superstar.
“I tried to base myself off Neymar,” said Elliott. “I tried doing these mad tricks and stuff.
“But as time has gone on, you sort of realise that it’s not all about tricks. You need to be mature in today’s game
“A youngster like me coming through is doing all these mad tricks, you are just going to get snapped, aren’t you?
“You have to be clever with it and do it when you can. And do it when it’s necessary.”
Even though Elliott was facing off against the European champions on Saturday, the 18-year-old showed great maturity and calmness in his game.
The discipline and understanding he has with and without the ball is pretty incredible and it’s a big reason why he could now become a regular under Klopp.
Curtis Jones was another youngster who was used in that midfield position by Klopp last season, but Elliott has better ball carrying-ability, vision, passing range and control than the Liverpool academy product.
But it just goes to show how giving young talent an opportunity to shine is the way forward rather than spending £100 million on a player.
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