Few know Fabio Carvalho better than Harvey Elliott and the former Fulham midfielder believes Liverpool have a “true superstar” on their hands.
The 19-year-old is one of three signings Jurgen Klopp has made this summer - with the Portuguese youngster joining Calvin Ramsay and Benfica superstar Darwin Nunez. Caravlho’s arrival has been somewhat overshadowed by Nunez, but according to Elliott there should be plenty of excitement about his old colleague rocking up at Anfield.
The two played 25 times alongside one another for the Cottagers, before in the summer of 2019, Elliott made the same move Carvalho would make in joining the Reds at the expiration of their deals.
Both have commanded whopping compensation fees, but could now become a central part of Klopp’s plans as he looks to re energise his squad for the next era of his tenure at the club. And Elliott, who has grown into an integral member of the German’s team, believes Carvalho will get supporters talking quickly - having swiftly integrated himself into the squad.
“We’ve had a few chats and he’s asked me a few questions as well. He’s a great kid as well as a great player and hopefully we get to see this in a few days’ time," he told the club's media team.
“I can’t say enough about him - I’ve said it so many times - I’ll let him do the talking, which I’m sure he will do. He’s buzzing to be here, he’s fit in really well with the boys. I’ve done what I could to help him, but I didn’t really need to because he’s just fit in.
“What a player by the way! We have a true superstar on our hands and I can’t wait to share the pitch with him and like the old days, play alongside him.”
Elliott suffered a nasty ankle dislocation at the start of last season, which somewhat stunted his progression following a stellar season on-loan in the Championship. But now back to full fitness, the talented tennager is now primed for more involvement in a season which will see Liverpool battle on all fronts.
He added: “Last season didn’t really go the way I wanted it to go with the injury and stuff. But we still had success as a team and that’s all that matters.
“I was there to support and help my team-mates if needed and play if needed. But this season is definitely a bigger one, I’m looking forward to it and doing everything right to get back into the team.
“I know it’s not going to be easy, we’ve got new, outstanding players coming into the team, so it’s more competition, but I’m ready for it and to help my team-mates out and to be a team player.”
The youthful duo should have plenty of opportunities as well, with Klopp ruling out that he is in the market for another midfield option this summer, despite persistent links with Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham. “He’s not on the market, so that’s the first problem with that player. Well, the only problem with that player!” Klopp quipped during his press conference in Bangkok.
“I’m not looking to buy, I can say that. I don’t understand. I do not understand. People told me about this discussion (about the midfield), but the last thing that would have crossed my mind is that we have to do this.”
He added: “What do we need…Creativity? If we bring in a player just for that, we immediately make it more difficult for Harvey, Curtis and Fabio. So where is the need for a midfielder? The day when somebody comes to me and tells me why exactly? Of course I rate our young players highly. We should not forget that last season, in the first four games, Harvey Elliott was the best player. He was outstanding.”
