Harvey Elliott opened up on his lack of games for Liverpool this season and what he can do to change things. The teenager is under no illusions.
Harvey Elliott started this campaign as a starting XI player for Liverpool. He was consistently shining, too, and data suggested that the Reds had a world-class talent on their books.
A terrible injury against Leeds United robbed Elliott of that place, however. It kept him out for month and, naturally, well behind in the pecking order.
His return in February brought excitement, though. Elliott scored against Cardiff City in the FA Cup and it felt as though he’d pick up right where he left off. Jurgen Klopp even picked the teenager to start a Champions League knockout tie at Inter – clearly, he trusted Elliott.
That was three months ago and only yesterday did Elliott start a non-FA Cup game. He had zero Premier League minutes in that span as Klopp admitted he had little choice but to leave him out.
And Elliott, it should be said, understands that. He backs the boss’s decision ‘100%’.
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“I know myself that I am fit but it’s down to the manager to make the decisions,” Elliott told the Liverpool ECHO. “We’re all 100% behind his decisions and we all take it on the chin.
So I haven’t been playing that much but it’s been all down to me really.
“There have been some training weeks where I haven’t really been at my best and it’s down to me to make sure that I am showing the gaffer that I am able to play and I am ready for the opportunity like today when it is given to me.”
Harvey Elliott and his lack of Liverpool games
We’ve talked about Elliott’s mentality before and it really is remarkable for someone so young. James Milner has pointed it out, too – he comes across as someone at the end of their career sometimes.
He recognises he hasn’t been up to scratch, understands the decision even though it isn’t going his way, and looks determined to fix things. You can’t ask for more from any player, let alone a 19-year-old.
There’s little doubt that Elliott’s talent and mentality will carry him far in the game. This season hasn’t gone to plan, certainly, but next year could easily be the year that Elliott makes the jump from prospect to key talent.
We can’t wait to find out.