Liverpool have now got their ‘perfect Wijnaldum replacement’ in the building – Whelan
Noel Whelan has tipped Liverpool starlet Harvey Elliott to come back “stronger” after his recent return to full training.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, hailed the 18-year-old “so exciting to watch” following his Anfield breakthrough earlier this season.
Elliott hasn’t featured for Liverpool since sustaining a fractured ankle during the Reds’ 3-0 win at Leeds United in mid-September.
However, as shown by club media yesterday (18 January), the midfield sensation returned to first-team training ahead of Thursday’s League Cup clash against Arsenal.
Whelan claimed it will be “fantastic” to see the teenager back in action for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
“It’s superb to see him back, absolutely,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“I think even Leeds fans would come out and say that they’re happy to see him back fit again.
“It was a really unfortunate injury. I’m sure Pascal Struijk will be pleased to hear that news.
“He’s an exciting player, did fantastically well at Blackburn last season – and you could see that he was hitting the high notes very quickly when he came into the side for Liverpool.
“Klopp wouldn’t have let go of Gini Wijnaldum without a replacement if he didn’t feel that Elliott was capable in that midfield area. He’s the perfect replacement.
“This will make him stronger, there’s no doubt about it. There’s always a setback in a football career, and it’s about how you respond.
“It’ll be fantastic to see him back in action, he’s so exciting to watch.”
Elliott started in three of Liverpool’s opening four Premier League these fixtures this season after returning from an impressive loan spell with Blackburn last term.
The youngster netted seven goals and contributed 12 assists in the Championship during the 2020/21 campaign.
In other news, Liverpool could change system after a ‘huge’ injury update.