Harvey Elliott has been Liverpool’s standout performer of the season so far and delighted fans with a sublime sixth-minute goal against AFC Bournemouth last weekend.
The 19-year-old was withdrawn from the game at half-time with the Reds already 5-0 up, however, it was revealed after the game that Elliott had suffered a family bereavement leading up to the fixture.
Speaking to Liverpool’s official club website, captain Jordan Henderson talked about the youngster’s incredible mentality and highlighted his performance in the 9-0 win as one of the best.
"I would like to mention" – Jordan Henderson praises Harvey Elliott: https://t.co/AmuRbKxsQ7
— LFC News (@LFCNewsApp) August 31, 2022
“I wouldn’t want to single out any of the performances from Saturday because, individually and collectively, all of the boys were right at it. It was a proper team performance from start to finish,”
Henderson wanted to give the youngster a special mention, highlighting Elliott’s professionalism leading up to the Bournemouth game.
“But I would like to mention the circumstances that surrounded Harvey Elliott in the build-up to the game because I think the way he dealt with them was incredible, particularly given his age.”
Liverpool’s captain went on to state his pride in how Elliott conducted himself and his the strength of his character to still perform to the highest level despite his grief.
“As everyone will now be aware, Harvey’s nan passed away in the week of the game. He was obviously very close to her and, like anyone else who has been in a similar situation, the loss hit him hard. Yet he still had the maturity, the professionalism and the character to go out and perform like he did.”
The 32-year-old reiterated the fact that footballers are human and being a professional footballer doesn’t give you immunity to life’s struggles.
“Being a footballer doesn’t give you immunity to personal loss, to family illness, to kids with toothache or any of the other frailties that every human being faces. So like everyone else, you have to be able to deal with them as best you possibly can and Harvey certainly did that.”
Liverpool face Newcastle this evening in what promises to be a tasty Premier League clash; the Reds will have to be at their best to beat Eddie Howe’s inform side.