New deal suggests Liverpool have big plans for Elliot next season

Stefan Bienkowski

9 Jul 2021 14:28 BST
3 min read

Liverpool likely to pay record fee for wonderkid Harvey Elliott — © ProShots

Liverpool underlined their belief in young winger Harvey Elliot on Friday afternoon when they confirmed that the player had agreed to a new five-year deal at Anfield.

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After impressing on loan at Blackburn Rovers last season, Elliot has returned to Jurgen Klopp’s first team squad and seems confident of making an impression this season.

“I think that’s got to be everyone’s aim: to get in the team. To get in and around it at least,” he said on the club website.

“It’s not going to come easily; there’s a great bunch of boys here and great talent. But it’s down to me to work hard.

“I believe in myself that I can do it. I just want to be around the team, support everyone and be there if needed.”

However, rather than being the usual bravado that most players mutter after they sign a new deal, there really is plenty to be optimistic about when it comes to Elliot’s chances at Liverpool this season.

Not only could the 18-year-old winger elbow his way into the first team squad, but he could end up solving a number of problems for Klopp’s forward line.

Some boss Friday news… 😁

Harvey Elliott has signed a new long-term contract with the Reds! 🙌🔴

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 9, 2021

Where Elliot could shine for Liverpool next season

Much of the exciting surrounding Elliot’s talent comes from the player’s last season on loan at Blackburn.

Over the course of all competitions for the Championship side, Elliot not only nailed down a starting role for the club but also bagged seven goals and 12 assists in 43 appearances.

It’s that ability to score and create goals with relative ease and at such a young age that will surely encourage Klopp to include him in his first team squad next season.

While Liverpool have a number of attacking options, when it comes to the right flank there is plenty of space for Elliot to exploit.

While nobody would expect the 18-year-old to elbow Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota or Mohamed Salah out of the starting XI, there’s no reason why Elliot can’t leapfrog the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Harry Wilson or Takumi Minamino for a spot on the bench.

As last season showed, Liverpool’s form can take a notable nosedive when Mane or Salah aren’t on form. Perhaps Elliot could provide ample cover from the bench and perhaps even start pushing for a starting role in Klopp’s side.