Liverpool midfielder compared to Xavi and Andres Iniesta after pre-season showing

It’s truthful to say that Harvey Elliott has received a fair proportion of admirers at Liverpool since arriving from Fulham in 2019.

Having excelled while on mortgage at Blackburn final season, clocking up 18 mixed objectives and assists, the 18-year-old has shone brightly as soon as extra as a part of Jurgen Klopp’s pre-season group towards Hertha Berlin.

The younger midfielder performed a starring function in an end-to-end 4-3 defeat to Hertha Berlin final night time, highlighting the clear expertise that he has.

First-half objectives from Sadio Mane and Takumi Minamino saved the Reds degree on the break, however a brace from former Manchester Metropolis striker Stevan Jovetic sealed a win for Hertha, earlier than Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain added a late comfort aim. But it surely was Elliott who stole the present.

Upon {the teenager} signing his new contract earlier this month, Klopp hinted that Elliott would stick with the primary crew this season, telling Liverpoolfc.com that his plan was to “make the subsequent steps collectively.”

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Nevertheless, former Reds midfielder Jason McAteer could even be an even bigger fan of the teen than the Liverpool boss.

Talking to LFC TV following final night time’s recreation, McAteer in contrast the membership’s newest wonderkid to 2 of the sport’s all-time greats.

“His finest place is one million greenback query. For me I do see – and these are large names popping out – I do see Xavi and Iniesta in him. I see Thiago as nicely, that type of participant creating.

“Once I say that, I see a participant who can see a cross, is comfy on the ball – he’ll have it in a cellphone field. He at all times desires to get on it, his head’s on a swivel at all times wanting round however he can execute.”

The previous Blackburn man couldn’t have heaped any increased reward – and doubtlessly expectation – on his efficiency post-match, however the former Republic of Eire worldwide did additionally emphasise the significance of the Elliott’s spell at Ewood Park.

“I feel it was key for him to exit on mortgage. He seems to be a bit stockier. He’s come again from Blackburn, in all probability learnt quite a bit. He appeared comfy. That may stand him in good stead to return again as a result of he has that have.”

Having performed on the appropriate flank for Rovers final marketing campaign, Elliott has occupied a extra central midfield function in Klopp’s pre-season plans, together with his earlier place occupied by Mo Salah.

With fierce competitors for the ahead positions, however a possible centre midfield slot obtainable, McAteer gave his verdict on Elliott’s prospects for the upcoming season.

He added: “He’s going to need to discover a manner into this crew both aspect or increased up and is he gonna get [Sadio] Mane or [Mohamed] Salah out of the image? Not within the close to future.

“He would possibly get certainly one of them midfield positions left or proper of Fabinho however that’s perhaps a short while but. However he’s shifting in the appropriate course, he could possibly be a bit celebrity.”

Jurgen Klopp has already introduced Elliott into the first-team fold, but when McAteer’s comparisons are to be believed he could play a key function ahead of most supporters would imagine.

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