Liverpool took on Athletic Club Bilbao today in a pre-season friendly in front of an expectant and excited crowd. The game ended a draw but there were plenty of positives to take from the game. Liverpool fans were wowed by Harvey Elliott against Athletic Club Bilbao.
Liverpool 1-1 Athletic Club Bilbao
The result is unimportant in games like this. It’s all about getting back to full fitness, back into a rhythm.
As a result it was so reassuring to see Virgil van Dijk get 70 minutes under his belt.
The Dutchman is slowly getting back in the swing of things following his serious knee injury sustained due to a reckless Jordan Pickford.
The Reds went ahead relatively early in the second half with Diogo Jota rifling home.
Liverpool were on top throughout but the first half ended on a sour note when Andy Robertson limped off with a nasty ankle injury.
The visitors levelled eight minutes into the second half when Berenguer tapped in at the far post, teaching youngster Owen Beck a valuable lesson.
Harvey Elliott v Athletic Club Bilbao
One player really got fans excited today.
Harvey Elliott put in an outstanding performance against Athletic Club Bilbao.
The teenager was as impressive on the ball as he was off it.
Previously Pep Lijnders emphasised that it’s work without the ball which separates the youngsters from the first team.
If today is anything to go by then Elliott has bridged that gap. The wonderkid won the ball back on a number of occasions and he was exciting in possession.
The youngster very nearly capped his performance with a well deserved goal but his effort hit the angle of the post and crossbar.
One thing is for sure, he will push for serious game time this season.
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Kopites were overjoyed with the wonderkid’s performance. It gave us plenty to get excited about.