Andy Hinchcliffe has singled out Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott for praise after his role in the Reds’ 2-0 victory over MK Dons in the Carabao Cup third round.
The Sky Sports pundit was impressed with the 16-year-old and admitted that he deserved a goal for his efforts after striking the crossbar twice in the game.
Elliott became Liverpool’s youngest-ever player in the victory, and Hinchcliffe picked out the midfielder for the way he adapted to the Reds’ style in his senior debut for the club.
“Especially Harvey Elliott,” he said on Sky Sports’ coverage of the game.
“16-years-old, he’s still a boy playing a man’s game.”
“He was exceptional, he deserved a goal tonight, so unlucky.”
Liverpool moved into the fourth round after goals from James Milner and Ki-Jana Hoever made sure they eased past MK Dons.
OPINION
It is no surprise to see that Elliott has received great praise from everyone who saw the game. The 16-year-old was phenomenal on the right-hand side and was involved in almost every positive move that the Reds conjured up throughout the clash. The former Fulham starlet did everything but score for Jurgen Klopp’s side, and was majorly unlucky in his quest to open his account for the Reds. After missing an open net in the first half, Elliott hit the bar when cutting on to his weaker right foot from just inside the box in the second. Hinchcliffe mentioned how Elliott was a boy in a man’s game, but it was he who looked like one of the most experienced players on the park. He dictated the style of play throughout and created numerous amount of chances for his teammates. Should he continue to play in that manner, Elliott will continue to get more opportunities to impress, and if he takes them, a spot in a Premier League matchday squad will surely be around the corner for the youngster.
