Arsenal legend Ian Wright says he is “really excited” by what Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott could achieve if he reaches his potential.

Since arriving from Fulham in 2019, the England Under 21 international has shown flashes of what he is truly capable of, and Wright believes the player has all the necessary attributes to play at the highest level:

“I like him [Elliott]. He is somebody that the potential he has [is big]. He obviously had that injury. But as a player, and the way he sees the game, his passing, his mobility, the capability, and like he said he has to score more goals.”

“He again is somebody that, if he can get anywhere near his potential, then Liverpool have a proper player on their hands. So, I am really excited for him.”

There are question marks about Elliott’s best position

While the 20-year-old is undoubtedly very talented, there has been a debate about where he should play. When he first moved to Anfield, he was seen almost exclusively as a winger, with many tipping him as a long-term replacement for Mo Salah, due to his excellent left foot.

However, Elliott’s lack of pace means he is not really suited to Liverpool’s front three and manager Jurgen Klopp subsequently converted him into a central midfield player. So far, the change has not borne fruit in terms of goal contributions. In 84 appearances for the Reds, he has scored just 6 times and contributed 6 assists.

Liverpool fans will need to be patient

As Wright mentions, Elliott has already had to overcome a serious injury in his career. The dislocated ankle he suffered in 2021 came right after he broke into the starting lineup.

It should also be pointed out that the midfielder is still very young, and his potential could well be unlocked in the next two the three seasons if he plays on a regular basis.

Does Klopp know his best Liverpool XI? Watch our pundits discuss the issue on Shots!TV here