TNT Sports pundit Owen Hargreaves believes former Liverpool star Harvey Elliott has the potential to be “as good as Martin Odegaard”.

The Reds sanctioned Elliott’s departure to Aston Villa on Deadline Day earlier this month, but Hargreaves says the Merseysiders may have just allowed someone to leave who could go on to perform to a similar level as Arsenal’s captain:

“I think Harvey Elliott can eventually go on to be a player as good as Martin Odegaard. I think technically he’s fantastic, he hasn’t had the opportunities at Liverpool obviously, because they had so many players. But I think centrally, he’s a fabulous player.”

There is no evidence that Liverpool have made a mistake so far, with the 22-year-old currently struggling to get starts at Villa, having been an unused substitute in their last fixture against Bologna in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Elliott will need to improve

Villa boss Unai Emery has already singled out the England Under-21 international for criticism. Speaking after the 1-1 draw against Sunderland last weekend, Emery questioned why the midfielder was always looking for the killer ball.

Elliott undoubtedly possesses a great deal of natural talent, but it remains to be seen if it can be harnessed in the right way.

Liverpool can still bring the player back to Anfield

It should be pointed out that the Reds covered all bases when they agreed to offload Elliott to Villa. Although he is currently on loan at the Midlands club, his move will become permanent next summer for £35m.

Reports suggest that Arne Slot’s team included both a sell-on clause and a buyback clause, with the latter allowing them to re-sign the player in the future for a set price if he does realise his full potential, as Hargreaves suspects he will.

Read more about the Liverpool First Team Squad for 2025/26 here