Pundit issues ‘massive’ Harvey Elliott claim after ‘incredible’ Liverpool reveal
Noel Whelan has backed Liverpool youngster Harvey Elliott to become an “absolutely massive” player for the club in the coming years.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 19-year-old looks “hungrier and sharper” after returning to the fold this term.
Liverpool confirmed on Thursday (11 August) that Elliott had penned a fresh five-year deal at Anfield – just a year on from signing a deal until 2026.
Elliott made 12 appearances for Liverpool last term despite suffering a horror ankle fracture away at Leeds early in the campaign.
The England Under-21 international now has the chance to break back into the starting line-up after Thiago Alcantara’s injury blow at Fulham last weekend (6 August).
According to the Liverpool Echo (12 August), the Spanish midfielder will be out for at least a month – with Jurgen Klopp already backing Elliott to “step up” and reach the “incredible” level he displayed at the beginning of the 2021-22 season.
Whelan backed the former Blackburn loanee to “get his rewards” after his “persistence” following his injury blow.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s [a new contract] a no-brainer.
“He’s got real longevity. He has come out the other side of a horrific injury – come back bigger, better and stronger.
“He looks possibly even more hungry and sharp, and he’ll now get his rewards for that persistence.
“He’s still learning, and if you watch him play now at 19 years of age – you can’t help but think that this kid will be absolutely massive for Liverpool in the years to come.
“He deserves this long-term contract, better money.
“He’ll be learning so much from all these other world-class players at the club.”
In other news, pundit verdict on Liverpool signing Thiago replacement after latest.