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There may not be a single player at Liverpool’s preseason camp in Austria with more to prove than winger Harvey Elliott. After a very successful loan spell with Blackburn Rovers last year the youngster appears primed to take the next step this season.
The 18-year-old Elliott, who signed a new long-term contract this month, believes he is ready and able to earn a role in the first team.
“I am confident in myself,” Elliott told LiverpoolFC.com. “I feel I can get into the team, whether it’s coming off the bench and making an impact. Whatever it is, I am confident in myself.”
“That’s the main goal really; just to be in and around the team and get minutes. Like I keep saying, it’s down to me – I need to show the people I am ready, I need to show the gaffer I am ready, but I am certain I can do it.”
Though he clearly believes he’s ready to make his mark on the big stage, Elliott’s biggest challenge will be showing that he can compete with the world-class talent ahead of him on the team sheet. However, he is not going to let that deter him.
“If you look at the team, it is superstars really,” said Elliott. “All fantastic players, so it is going to be hard, but in football you always have challenges and it’s just how you deal with it, how you rise above them, and how you better yourself.
“I am looking forward to the challenge, I am looking forward to the competitiveness and I am looking forward to hopefully getting minutes here and there.”
Whether Elliott is able to make himself a regular fixture in the Liverpool lineup remains to be seen, but there is no doubting that he has the right attitude and is saying all of the right things. He is definitely one to keep an eye on as Liverpool gears up to rebound after a disappointing title defense last year.
“It’s going to be a big season for me this season and I am looking forward to it. I am going to take everything I learned and put it into this season.”
“I can’t wait to get started, I can’t wait to get into the season and see what happens.”