‘A frightening talent’ – What people are saying about Harvey Elliott’s fine form
Despite being just 17 years old, Liverpool‘s Harvey Elliott has been in sensational form during his loan spell at Blackburn Rovers.
Elliott has already become an integral player for Tony Mowbray’s side, registering four goals and seven assists in 20 appearances in all competitions so far this season.
We’ve rounded up what people have been saying about the talented teenager during his loan spell at Ewood Park.
Tony Mowbray
“For such a young boy, Harvey has a wonderful personality, he’s a diamond of a football player and I can see why he made his debut at 15 at Fulham,” Mowbray told iFollow Rovers in October.
“To have somebody who is so tight with the ball, so aware of others and someone who sees all the pictures, we don’t have to do much work with Harvey.
“He’s a Premier League player and Liverpool know what they’ve got I’m sure of that.
“I have worked with some players from Liverpool in the past, the likes of Ryan Kent and a player like James Maddison during my time at Coventry, and this kid is some player as well.
“We’re delighted to have him and I hope he’s enjoying being in a dressing room with a great group of lads.”
Ben Brereton
“Harvey Elliott, he’s a young lad, he’s only 17. He plays like he’s always played in the Championship,” Brereton said in November. “He’s confident on the ball. He’s getting assists and he’ll score goals.”
Scott Wharton
“He’s a breath of fresh air,” the Blackburn defender was quoted as saying by The Atheltic in November. “He’s definitely got that quality. You could see from day one when he came in that he’s got that quality on the ball.
“He can pick a pass, he’s good with his feet, he can dribble and there is definitely a lot more to come from him.”
READ: Harvey Elliott proves again that he is Sadio Mane’s heir apparent at Liverpool
Stewart Downing
“Harvey is a frightening talent,” Downing told iFollow Rovers in December. “I think the lads have spoken to each other and mentioned that you look back to when you were 17, you’re a bit of a headless chicken, aren’t you?
“But Harvey’s game understanding, his quality, his knowledge of when to release the pass, even with his goal, he never panics.
“For the equaliser [against Rotherham], as soon as he took his first touch I was turning back because I knew it would be a goal.
“He has the finesse, the quality, but he’s also fitted into the group very well. He’s definitely got the quality, but he runs around and works hard as well.
“I think most would look at him and say, ‘He’s good, he’s got the technical ability,’ but he’s buying into everything, the pressing, the tracking back, he’s a real team player.”
Kevin Gallacher
“Harvey is a young lad and he has come into the Championship and set out his stall,” the Blackburn legend told the Blood Red podcast in November. “You can see that he has been training with Liverpool.
“He plays on the right-hand side of a front three for Blackburn, which suits him, because that is what he wants to do.
“For me, he is mimicking Mohamed Salah and the way that he plays has been fantastic. He has been a breath of fresh air.
“You have to work hard, you have to tackle, you have to take elbows in the back of the head. It is different from the Premier League but the style that Blackburn play is very similar to Liverpool.
“When he cuts in, he can see the simple pass, or he can also play risk passes, which I like about him. He is also not scared to track back and do the ugly stuff, helping out defensively.
“Blackburn were really lucky to get him in because he is a quality young player and it is hard to believe he is only 17. Sometimes he is naive in certain aspects but the qualities he has are phenomenal.”
Tony Mowbray
“I haven’t seen the goal back, but seeing him produce a goal like that really doesn’t surprise me,” Mowbray told Rovers.co.uk after Eliott scored a stunning solo goal against Norwich City in December.
“He’s a wonderful talent, he’s a brilliant individual to work with as well. I tell the team to give him the ball, much like I did with Bradley Dack before he got his injury.
“The special talents in the team are generally the ones who make the right decision with the ball, they make the right decisions.
“Harvey has assets that Bradley (Dack) has: that trust when he has the ball. It was a wonderful performance from Harvey.
“We’re delighted to be working with him and I hope that he’s enjoying his time here.”
Watch: Liverpool starlet Harvey Elliott scores brilliant solo goal for Blackburn
David Dunn
“Harvey Elliott, what a talent,” Dunn tweeted after Blackburn’s 2-1 win over Rotherham United in December.
Andy Reid
“He’s absolutely fantastic,” Reid told BBC Radio 5 Live in December. “I saw him playing in the 23s game for Liverpool last year and he was different class. He scored one there a few weeks ago when he cut inside and put one in the top corner.
“He was a level above everyone else on the pitch, the balance, the poise and composure. He’s got this natural ability and an eye for goal.
“This [loan spell] will do him the world of good, getting games in the Championship. He’s shown that he is well able for it, he’s got a maturity and it looks like he belongs out on the football field at first-team level.
“I know they’re very excited for him at Liverpool. For me, it won’t be too long before we see him banging in goals for Liverpool.”
Tony Mowbray
“I do check with Liverpool that we’re not overburdening a 17-year-old boy, but Harvey wants to do extra after training every day,” Mowbray was quoted as saying by the Lancashire Telegraph in December.
“The day after a game he’s wanting to join in with the subs and play in the five-a-side, he wants to keep training and playing.
“Some of the senior players don’t even come out, but Harvey wants to join in with all the extras. He wants to do extra shooting when everyone is going in.
“He laughs when I ask him if he’s tired and how his body is. It’s amazing how he’s so robust in a world where the numbers and data are driving everything.
“He’s a kid who keeps rolling on, he’ll have probably covered 12,500 metres (against Rotherham) and he’ll do it again on Saturday I’m sure.”
READ: 11 quotes on Liverpool hot prospect Harvey Elliott: ‘A special talent’
Grant Hanley
“You know, there’s been that many games, I can’t remember anything! I was really impressed with Harvey Elliott,” the Norwich City defender told the Sky Sports EFL Podcast when asked about his toughest opponent this season.
“Considering his age and he’s 17, he was really good. I think I’ll tip him as one for the future.”
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