Former Manchester United midfielder Keith Gillespie believes Liverpool youngster Harvey Elliott could become a regular for the Reds as soon as next season.
The 18-year-old has recently returned to Anfield following a hugely successful campaign on loan at Blackburn Rovers where the teenager scored seven goals and registered 12 assists in 43 appearances.
Having made such an impact in a strong Championship, Elliott has recently spoken of his ambitions to gain a place in Jurgen Klopp’s plans in the near future.
Gillespie, who played 238 times in the Premier League, has told This Is Futbol that the left-footed wonderkid has every chance of forging his way into the first-team next season.
He looks a fantastic player. One we know is going to end up an England player and be at Liverpool for a long time. It depends what Liverpool want to do, whether they think he needs that one more year for that education and playing regular week in out week because he could come back to Liverpool, and he could be one of those who comes straight into the side but only plays once every five games.
This season Elliott earned an impressive average Sofascore rating of 7.10 across 41 second-flight outings – receiving high praise from Rovers teammate Barry Douglas, who described the winger as a ‘special’ talent.
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Whether or not the England youth international is ready to challenge for a starting berth remains very much in doubt.
However, with more strength in depth needed in the Anfield squad, Klopp will seriously consider keeping Elliott around for the 2021/22 campaign.
Whilst Premier League appearances may be few and far between, domestic cup outings could be plentiful and should be another step in the right direction for the starlet.
