Senior Liverpool players were left “staggered” by what they saw from Harvey Elliott during his injury recovery.
That’s according to Goal who have produced an in-depth look at the 18-year-old’s rehabilitation.
It’s claimed that Elliott’s positivity to his rehab is what set him apart in the more experienced player’s eyes.
Players who have seen long periods of recovery are said to have been the most impressed. Virgil Van Dijk, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joe Gomez are those name-checked as being wowed with the youngster’s attitude.
It’s also reported here that the Liverpool squad made sure to include him in any group activities in a bid to keep his spirits up.
Liverpool have been unfortunate with long-term injuries in recent years. As a result, they are no doubt well-versed in how to help a teammate through a lengthy recovery.
These things only serve to enhance the spirit within the squad. It’s great to hear that a rookie player was given the same encouragement as a superstar like Van Dijk was during his 10-month absence last year.
How long was he out for
Elliott’s injury was no doubt a serious one. It looked horrendous in real time and on the replays as his ankle buckled beneath him.
It was a huge blow for the youngster. He had made a surprise breakthrough into Jurgen Klopp’s first eleven at the start of the season.
He missed the next five months of action which would have been crucial for his development into a first-team player.
Elliott had a dazzling season last year at Blackburn. It’s frustrating from a Liverpool perspective that the injury robbed him of the chance to kick-on at a higher level.
What next for Elliott
This news only adds to the feeling that Elliott is poised for a big future at Liverpool. The first-team players being so keen to get him involved speaks volumes about his ability.
Klopp seems to love him both as a player and a person too. The 18-year-old of course scored a lovely goal on his comeback against Cardiff City on Sunday.
After the game, the manager told beIN Sports that Elliott’s injury against Leeds was “one of the hardest moments” in his career.
With words of support like that, as well as the admiration of his older teammates, Elliott is already a key figure within this Liverpool squad.
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