Harvey Elliott signed a new long-term Liverpool contract yesterday, which will keep him at the club for at least a few more seasons.
The 18-year-old is one of the most talented players in the country and reportedly, could play a bigger role at Liverpool next season after his superb loan spell at Blackburn.
Let's take a look at how Elliott's superb vision could help Liverpool next season.
The stats
According to WhoScored, only Emiliano Buendia (18) created more clear-cut goalscoring chances than Elliott (14) in the Championship last season.
In 41 appearances, (2753 minutes played), the teenager had 11 assists to his name, which is a very good return.
According to WhoScored, Elliott averages 1.7 key passes per game alongside 2.7 long balls. While his passing success rate (78%) leaves more to be desired, the midfielder's creativity is one of his strongest suits.
Comparison with others in the Championship
Take a look at this graphic (courtesy of the Liverpool Echo) that shows how elite Elliott has been in the Championship:
He ranks amongst the best in the division for the highest average number of key passes and shot assists in the league for attackers under the age of 24 - and he's only 17!
Elliott has 18 goal contributions, with one contribution every 153 minutes - that is really good for a player his age playing in a midtable Championship side.
Visual evidence of playmaking skills
Here's an assist from a set-piece against Norwich United back in April. From a wide position, the teenager lobs in a perfect ball for his teammate to score at the far post - not an easy delivery at all.
And here is Elliott's sublime ball to Adam Armstrong for Blackburn's second goal in a game earlier this season.
He received the ball in midfield on the break with only one player ahead of him.
Elliott's excellent first touch took him away from his man and set him up with the perfect angle to make the pass.
He played a weighted ball in dissecting the QPR defence.
And put Armstrong in 1v1 with the keeper to score.
Again, we need to remember that he is only 18! Under Klopp and elite midfielders such as Thiago and Jordan Henderson, we can see the lad getting better and better.
