Rio Ferdinand is a big fan of Harvey Elliott. Speaking on his Vibe with Five YouTube show, the former Manchester United defender praised the Liverpool youngster for his return to action at the weekend.
The ex-England international also said that he sent the Liverpool player a get well soon message earlier in the season.
Elliott fractured his ankle in September against Leeds. The incident prompted a strong reaction from the football world. Ferdinand has now shared what his message to the 18-year-old was.
“I messaged him (Elliott) when he got injured actually at the time. Just to say wish him well and keep your chin up and what not,” said Ferdinand.
It’s a classy touch from the former United man. As a boyhood Red, Elliott may not have expected well-wishes from a player so associated with a great rival.
But it goes to show the regard that the youngster is held in. Ferdinand went on to say that he thinks Elliott can be a “standout player” for England in the future.
“I think this kid’s got a huge, huge, huge future,” he said.
“I mean, that’s quite stating the obvious a little bit, but I think he’s going to be one of the standout English players definitely in the years to come.”
Elliott’s role for the rest of the season
The sight of Elliott coming on alongside Luis Diaz was a huge positive for Liverpool on Sunday. Elliott’s performance and his wonderfully taken goal were a reminder of just how assured a player he is.
He plays with such maturity for a player so young. As a result, he will definitely be getting plenty of minutes between now and the end of the season.
He is currently likely to be behind Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago in the midfield pecking order. But beyond that, Jurgen Klopp has shown he doesn’t trust Naby Keita in the biggest games, Curtis Jones’ form has been patchy, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been utilised recently on the wing and James Milner is a break-glass option.
Klopp has clearly taken a shine to Elliott and he jumped straight into the starting 11 this season following some impressive performances in training.
If he can stay fit, there’s every reason to believe that he could be in Liverpool’s best team by the end of the season.
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