Lee Dixon hyped up Liverpool youngster Harvey Elliot after an impressive display against Chelsea, comparing him to Lionel Messi.
Harvey Elliot has been one of the surprises in the Liverpool side. The youngster’s rise is a testament to the talent pool the Merseyside club has currently and credit to Jurgen Klopp for affording him the opportunity at the biggest stage possible.
After making the lineup against Burnley on the opening weekend, Elliot impressed enough for Klopp to pick him for the Chelsea game. The game ended in a cagey 1-1 draw, although the 18-year old made a solid impression on people watching the game.
Elliot even came close to scoring in the first half with a shot from outside that zipped wide. His overall contributions in attack and ability to find space were eye-catching, and it seems like he might be in Klopp’s plans for the season. Many have been pleading with Liverpool to sign a midfielder, and it looks like they already have one among them.
While the focus was on Chelsea after they salvaged a battling draw against Liverpool’s relentless attacks, Elliot’s display might have been overshadowed. The 18-year-old was a buzzing presence in Liverpool’s midfield while keeping the likes of Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Thiago Alcantara on the bench.
"He walks like him. He’s diminutive and just waits for the ball to come to him"#LFC https://t.co/l4AEAEvVAw
— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) August 29, 2021
Former Arsenal star Lee Dixon was most impressed by Elliot’s performances. He compared the youngster to a certain Lionel Messi, saying the 18-year-old’s movements and style of play are reminiscent of the former Barcelona and current PSG superstar.
Liverpool Echo posted quotes from Dixon’s talk with NBC Sport. The former Arsenal star was full of praise for the young midfielder.
Dixon said, “He’s probably been Liverpool’s best player. Knowing where the space is, little walks into that space. Listen, I’m going to say something now. He reminds me a little bit of Messi. He walks like him. He’s diminutive and just waits for the ball to come to him. He’s a real talent at 18 – that’s for sure!”
Elliot is a promising talent at 18, and he surely will grow on from here. Although Klopp has put his trust in the youngster, it remains to be seen how seriously he will be involved in the season from here on.