Connor Humm

Wed 13 July 2022 14:43, UK

Alan Hutton has tipped Harvey Elliott to “break in” to the Liverpool side next season after his injury setback.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham defender said it was a “real shame” the 19-year-old’s injury came at a time when he was “flourishing”.

According to journalist Paul Joyce, reported in The Times (11 July), the Reds have been “unwilling” to listen to loan offers for the England youth international.

Jurgen Klopp said the youngster was his side’s “best player” in the first four games of the 2021-22 season.

The winger has four years left on his contract at Anfield.

When asked if he thought Elliott could make his mark on the first team next season, Hutton told Football Insider: “I think so, I really like him.

“I covered a lot of games at the start of last season before his injury. There was one that stuck out in my mind, I think they were playing Burnley at home and he was in the midfield and he linked up so well with Trent [Alexander-Arnold] on the right-hand side. He just played with such a freedom.

“For one so young, playing at such a big club, and all that pressure that was on him he just took it in his stride. It was a real shame the injury came at that moment in time because he was really flourishing within that team like a regular.

“He’s got over it now, hopefully, he can get back to his best as soon as possible but I would like to see him kick on this season. I think there’s an opportunity.

“If you can say anything about the Liverpool side where there’s room for improvement it is the midfield. And that’s not saying anything bad about the players that are already there.

“You look at the likes of Jordan Henderson, who’s not getting any younger, Thiago [Alcantara] as good as he is isn’t getting any younger. So, there’s opportunity for these guys coming through and hopefully Harvey Elliot will be the next one to break in.“

In other news, a pundit has backed Liverpool to sell Joe Gomez within weeks as ‘crazy’ deal agreed.