Liverpool youngster Harvey Elliott has shared what James Milner shouted at him seconds before he scored against Wolverhampton Wanderers tonight.
Bagging the only goal of the game in the 13th minute with a sensational strike, the 19-year-old was awarded Player of the Match for his performance.
Speaking with the BBC in a post-match interview, the attacker spoke of his goal and Milner’s influence on his decision-making.
“Milly was screaming shoot, so if he was screaming it, I’m just going to have to do it,” Elliott said.
“It’s down to me to provide assists and goals.
“Maybe I’ll speak to him after and he can encourage me a bit more to shoot, because it definitely worked.”
Elliott says Milner was screaming at him
Although the 37-year-old may not be the fastest or the most technical player on the pitch, one thing he is certainly brilliant at is being vocal.
Operating as the side’s captain today, it just goes to show how important it is to have a leader on the pitch. Without the Yorkshireman’s calls, Elliott may not have decided to shoot.
Liverpool didn’t look like scoring many goals tonight, so the wonderful strike from the 19-year-old would have been highly celebrated by Jurgen Klopp.
As a result, the former Fulham youth talent demonstrated why he is more than capable of performing at the top level for the Reds, particularly in a more attacking role.
Elliott has been utilised as a deep-lying midfielder in recent months, and he has come under criticism for his lack of physicality in the middle of the park.
However, this has always been unfair on the teenager, as he originates from a more offensive position in the final third.
It was great to see him excel out there tonight, especially with the help from Milner’s shouts. Hopefully we get to see more of him further up the pitch over the remainder of the season.