‘A brilliant little’: Michael Owen impressed by Liverpool midfielder against Brighton

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Michael Owen praised Harvey Elliott for his first-half performance as Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool recorded a 2-2 draw at Brighton on Sunday.

The 20-year-old was subbed off at half-time for Ryan Gravenberch, with Michael Owen adding that he ‘did okay’ during his time on the pitch, despite that call, as he told Premier League Productions (08/10/23 at 3:00 pm).

At the time of Harvey Elliott going off, Liverpool were leading 2-1 after going behind after 20 minutes following a mistake from Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister – Cesc Fabregas was critical of the latter.

It has been a week full of drama and major talking points for the Reds following that controversial 2-1 defeat at Tottenham.

Whilst the Reds let their football do their talking on the pitch in the Europa League in midweek, they weren’t able to punish an error-prone Brighton.

The simple reason is that they were error-prone themselves, either way, this is what Owen had to say about Harvey Elliott’s performance and the call to replace him with Ryan Gravenberch.

Brighton 2-2 Liverpool

“Dunk gives the ball away, brilliant little dummy from Harvey Elliott,” said Owen. “I don’t think Mo Salah will have many easier finishes. Coming in on your left foot with half a goal to aim at, it’s easy for someone of his calibre.

“One of two people thought he (Gravenberch) might be starting today, me included. Harvey Elliott did okay in the first half, so I am not sure if there is a problem there. 

“But I don’t think it’s going to weaken this team. Gravenberch is in good form and was all smiles in midweek, so I don’t think Klopp is too fussed that he has to make this change.”

Defence is still the issue

Dating back to last season’s troubles, and now during this campaign, the forward areas have never been the issue.

It’s the defence that still needs working on and improving after a slight decline over the past 12 months.

The new-look midfield has made a difference, but with players still settling in, the issues and error-prone ways are still there, as was proven at the Amex Stadium.