Liverpool player suggests he wants to show he’s actually better than Alexis Mac Allister

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Harvey Elliott is determined to prove to Jurgen Klopp that he deserves to play ahead of new signing Alexis Mac Allister.

Liverpool signed Mac Allister two weeks ago, with the World Cup winner set to slot straight into the Reds starting XI. More midfield signings are expected to follow, and could join Mac Allister as instant starters. But speaking to The Daily Mail, Elliott suggested that he’s out to show that he can still be Klopp’s first choice.

“If anything, I’ve played more than I expected this season,” said the 20-year-old. “People keep saying I’m young but I don’t feel like it! When you step back, put it into perspective, this was my first proper season at Liverpool. The amount of minutes and experiences I’ve gained have been great and hopefully I can kick on.

“Klopp hasn’t said much [about the future] to be honest. It’s up to me to go out and find those answers. I trust him with everything. It’s all part of it, I’m still young – still growing up – and I’m not expecting to play every game.

“We’ve bought one new player [Mac Allister] and there will be more to come. It’s about making sure, with respect to them, that I am better. It’s healthy competition, it’s what you want.”

Elliott ready to fight for place

This is a positive attitude from Elliott and underlines why Klopp values him so highly. Having played a whopping 46 times last season, the youngster could start to rest on his laurels.

With new players coming in, a different kind of character would sulk and whine about the extra competition. But that’s not Elliott. You can see why Jurgen rates that.

Of course, attitude and mentality alone don’t get you in this Liverpool side, though. You have to show you’re good enough on the pitch.

At times last season Elliott did that. There’s a reason he’s just been voted as the best U21 player in the Premier League. But plenty of other times, the £4.4m signing from Fulham looked exactly what he is – a young player learning at the top level.

As Reds supporters look ahead to 2023/24, not many would have Elliott in the starting XI if everyone’s fit. Even if there are no more signings, many would stick Mac Allister, Thiago, Fabinho, Curtis Jones, Stefan Bajcetic and perhaps Jordan Henderson ahead of him.

But at the same time, he shouldn’t be written off. There’s a real player in there and Klopp will be wary of stunting his development with too many new signings coming in.

That isn’t to say Liverpool don’t need them, they do. It can’t come at the detriment of Harvey’s development, though. Klopp will have a plan for that, he usually does. In any case, it’s great to hear that the Reds’ No.19 is up for the battle.