Klopp has given Elliott an ‘impossible’ task and he’s ‘nowhere near’ Liverpool level – Mills
Danny Mills insists Harvey Elliott is not yet ready to replace Gini Wijnaldum in the Liverpool midfield.
The former Leeds defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claims the youngster needs more experience.
Elliott, 18, started Liverpool’s Premier League games against Burnley and Chelsea.
He won plenty of plaudits for his efforts against Burnley as he played as a central midfielder.
Liverpool haven’t signed any midfielders this summer while Wijnaldum left the club upon the expiry of his contract and moved to PSG.
Elliott has slipped into the hole left by Wijnaldum after spending last season on loan with Blackburn.
He enjoyed an impressive season at Ewood Park, scoring seven goals in 42 total appearances.
Mills admits Elliott is undoubtedly talented but says he is years away from being able to replace Wijnaldum.
“He needs two or three more years,” Mills told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“That’s a huge difference between coming in for a few games and putting some decent performances in.
“To then step into those shoes full time is impossible now. He’s nowhere near Wijnaldum’s level.
“There’s potential there but you never know how these young players will develop and how quickly.”
Elliott joined Liverpool in 2019, arriving from Fulham, and is one of the club’s most promising young players.
He made his first-team debut for Fulham in September 2018, becoming the youngest player to play in the EFL Cup, aged 15 years and 174 days.
In other news, Kieran Maguire: Liverpool summer transfer budget boosted by ‘£20m’ after recent Robertson confirmation.