Luis Diaz was impressed with Harvey Elliott’s goal for Liverpool against Ajax on Wednesday.
Elliott made it two goals in two Champions League games with the Reds killer third goal at the Amsterdam Arena. After the game, the 19-year-old added a celebratory post on Instagram.
Replying to the picture of Elliott celebrating his goal, Diaz posted two clapping hands emojis to express his appreciation.
The Colombian is currently recovering from an injury sustained against Arsenal three weeks ago. Nice to see him supporting his teammates from afar.
Elliott shining with more freedom
It perhaps isn’t a surprise that Elliott is starting to shine whilst playing a little less for Liverpool.
At the start of the season the teenager was run into the ground a little. With other, more experienced, players unavailable, Jurgen Klopp turned to him time and time again.
After coming off the bench on the opening day against Fulham, Elliott started Liverpool’s next seven games. In the eight that have followed, the England U21 man has started only four. He’s had significantly less responsibility on his shoulders.
As a result, we’re starting to see more like the ‘exceptional’ player Rio Ferdinand has previously described.
A lot of Elliott’s best work has also come since Liverpool tweaked their system. He maybe doesn’t quite have the skillset to play in the middle of 4-3-3, but he can certainly do some damage from the wing.
Slightly lacking in pace to play wide of a three-man forward line, this isn’t a problem in the new-look 4-4-2. The system looks perfect for him.
It also isn’t a problem whilst playing slightly narrower, as he did in Liverpool’s ‘diamond’ midfield on Wednesday. With the security of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, Elliott was able to play with more freedom.
That’s when the youngster is at his best. Diaz recognised that, and you can bet that Jurgen Klopp did too. Keep up the good work, Harvey!
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