Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has praised the maturity of 19-year-old Liverpool star Harvey Elliott.
Taking to his pre-match press conference ahead of Southampton tomorrow, the German spoke highly of the talented youngster and his rise within the Anfield set-up.
“We trust him, it’s obvious,” he said.
“In the group he’s like all the other boys, with Fabio especially, but everyone.
“We have a lot of young players. He has to be mature on the pitch and the rest happens.”
Speaking of the Reds’ Carabao Cup victory, Klopp added:
“It was a clear thing that Harvey would have the fifth penalty [against Derby]. He’s incredible.”
Klopp lavishes praise on Elliott
Whilst many fans have mixed feelings on the youngster, his step-up amongst the first-team this term has been extremely impressive.
With a lack of options in the midfield, Elliott has been a constant figure in Klopp’s XI.
Due to a serious injury last season, the former Fulham starlet made just six appearances in the Premier League.
This season, however, he has already played 13 times in the English top-flight. This is on top of all six Champions League group games as well.
At just 19-years-old, the midfielder has somewhat been thrown into the deep-end.
Although the experience will be good for him, too many minutes on the pitch could burn the teenager out.
Therefore, whilst it’s nice to regularly see Elliott in Klopp’s squad, the U21 England international should receive more of a break.
Following last year’s injury, it would be disastrous to see such a situation again; especially when he has grown massively as a player in such a short space of time.
With such huge potential, keeping Elliott fit and firing is crucial to the club in the long-term.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
