Liverpool’s decision to offload 17-year-old starlet to the Championship is the right choice – Here’s why

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4 years ago

Harvey Elliott has a big future at Liverpool (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Why Liverpool loaning out Harvey Elliott was the right step for his progress

Blackburn completed the signing of Harvey Elliott on loan from Liverpool (source – Lancs Live). Along with Elliott, Blackburn also brought in the likes of Barry Douglas, Tom Trybull and Aynsley Pears.

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The 17-year-old Elliott started his youth career at QPR before moving to Fulham. He made his debut for Fulham in 2018 in an EFL Cup tie against Millwall. The player was just 15 at the time.

Last year in May, he became the youngest ever player to play in the Premier League when he came on as a substitute against Wolves. He featured 19 times for the U-18’s, scoring 5 and assisting 4 (source – Transfermarkt). Also he played 3 games for the senior side.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 27: Harvey Elliott of Fulham before the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Cardiff City at Craven Cottage on April 27, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Liverpool signed him ahead of last season. He was slotted straight into the U-23’s but was called for the occasional appearance for the senior side. So far, he has 9 appearances for the senior side, with an assist to his name.

Finally, he was sent on loan to Blackburn Rovers before the close of the domestic transfer window. Elliott is currently a part of the England U-17’s with 7 appearances and 3 goals to date.

Loaning out Elliot was the right step by Liverpool

Harvey Elliott has experienced so much in so little time that people often forget he is still just 17 years of age. Rubbing shoulders in the Premier League and domestic cups with the best in the business means that he has developed way beyond his age.

However, with his age and potential, he needs regular game time and possibly at a lower level than the Premier League. It was practically not possible for him to get any sort of game time at Liverpool given the attacking line-up they have.

Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp (L) celebrates with Liverpool’s English midfielder Harvey Elliott on th epitch after the English FA Cup third round football match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 5, 2020. – Liverpool won the game 1-0. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

The Reds’ front-three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino is the best in the league. Add to that the likes of Takumi Minamino and Diogo Jota and you have a crowded way to navigate before you get to start on a regular basis.

Liverpool took the best possible decision for Elliott’s continued growth by sending him out to Blackburn on loan. That way, they can monitor his progress and possibly within a year, he could well be in the first-team picture.

Sourav Ghosh