Jurgen Klopp has praised Harvey Elliott for his role in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Newcastle yesterday.
Elliott was introduced just before the hour mark with the 10-man Reds 1-0 down. Tasked with adding some creativity to the midfield, the 20-year-old caught the eye, playing a part in Darwin Nunez’s eventual winner.
And speaking in his post-match press conference via liverpoolfc.com, Klopp said Elliott was actually playing a brand new position.
“Harvey throws his heart on the pitch to help his team,” gushed the manager.
“After the next change he played even as a double No.6, when we brought Darwin on: a position, in a game like this, that he didn’t play often I’m pretty sure.”
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Elliott shines under the radar
For all the talk of Liverpool’s new midfield additions – and what they still lack in that area – Elliott has been a little overlooked.
And yet quietly, the former Fulham youngster has had a super start to the season.
Having played 46 times for the Reds last year, it’s inevitable that Elliott’s obvious talent is only going to blossom further. And the early signs are that he can be very, very useful to Liverpool this campaign.
The £4.3m signing has brought something to each of the three games he’s been introduced in so far. Elliott was especially good against Chelsea, allowing Liverpool to gain a little more possession and using the ball quickly and well.
And yesterday at St James’ Park saw more of the same. That he was doing it in a new, central role with the Reds a man light is all the more impressive.
So, Elliott may not be the star attraction in the Liverpool midfield this season, but there’s a high chance that this may actually help him.
Without the pressure of starting every week, the England U21 international should have the freedom to play his best football. It’s still very early days, but that’s exactly what we’ve been seeing these last weeks.