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This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…
Harvey Elliott had a debut to remember against MK Dons and he has received plaudits from Jurgen Klopp for his performance.
He is still only 16 years of age but played with the composure and intelligence of a player ten years his senior, and the ease at which he slotted into the first-team could mean he has earned a place in the matchday squad on a more regular basis.
Liverpool brought him to the club over the summer for a compensation fee which could reportedly cost up to £7m, and given his display it is already looking like a bargain signing.
Although he should be proud with how he played, Elliott will likely be kicking himself for failing to open the scoring for his side, striking the bar from a matter of yards out with the goalkeeper not in a position to make a save.
Opening his account against the League One side would have made him the club’s youngest ever goalscorer, eclipsing Ben Woodburn who found the target when he was 17 years and 45 days old.
Nevertheless, there were many positive aspects of his performance, and the early signs suggest he could have a successful career with the Reds.
He was involved in play throughout and operated in a similar style to Mo Salah, often cutting inside in order to use his stronger left-foot whilst beating players in the process.
Elliott was able to use his pace and close control to great advantage, though his crossing let him down on occasion. However, of the one cross which did find a man – James Milner – the ball should’ve hit the back of the net, so he can consider himself unlucky not to have had an assist.
The former Fulham man used the ball effectively in a variety of ways, as shown through his stats on WhoScored, with four successful dribbles proving he is a tricky player who opponents find difficult to manage, and he has an eye for a pass too.
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That will be important in persuading Jurgen Klopp to give him a chance, as he will need to link up with Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino in the same fashion Mo Salah does, as the Egyptian’s goal against Newcastle epitomised.
The youngster proved he was capable of doing that on Wednesday, finishing the match with a pass success accuracy of 87%, with three key passes also showing that he can create chances for his teammates.
Young players are often raw and can let themselves down with their decision-making, but Elliott was calm throughout whilst not being afraid to express his talent.
Such temperament will be key to earning Klopp’s trust and if he can make improvements to his game over the coming months, particularly in regard to his crossing and shooting, then he could soon become a first-team player.
