Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer has been lauding current starlet Harvey Elliott following the teenager’s display against Hertha Berlin.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder impressed whilst out on loan last season at Blackburn Rovers and is expected to play a role in Jurgen Klopp’s squad for the upcoming campaign.
That plan has already started to come to fruition as the teenager plays as the most advanced of a midfield three during the Reds’ pre-season friendlies in Austria.
After watching Elliott dazzle in another 45-minute cameo display against Hertha Berlin on Thursday evening, McAteer told LFC TV of the players the wonderkid reminded him of.
I’m a big fan from the minute I saw him. I saw him in a pre-season friendly in Switzerland, his pass appreciation, his touch. He was sensational. I think it was key for him to go out on loan. He looks a bit stockier. He’s come back from Blackburn, probably learnt a lot. He looked comfortable. That will stand him in good stead to come back because he has that experience. His best position is a million dollar question. For me I do see – and these are big names coming out – I do see Xavi and Iniesta in him. I see Thiago as well, that kind of player developing. When I say that, I see a player who can see a pass, is comfortable on the ball – he’ll have it in a phone box. He always wants to get on it, his head’s on a swivel always looking around but he can execute.
Last season Elliott scored seven times and registered another 11 assists in 41 Championship appearances.
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No pressure then.
Whilst there’s no doubt the talented England youth international will have a part to play this term for Klopp’s side, comparing a teenager to two of the greatest players the game has seen and a World Cup-winning midfield partnership is a bold statement.
Having predominantly been a right-winger previously, adding additional strings to an already well-equipped bow by moving central will be a major plus moving forwards.
Let’s hope for more sightings during 2021/22 and if McAteer proves to be even half correct, Liverpool will have a serious player on their hands.
