Harvey Elliott has paid tribute to the incredible support he received from Mohamed Salah at Liverpool despite signing in the same position as the Egyptian. Elliott, still only 20, has been a regular in Liverpool’s first team for the past 18 months.
He played in 32 Premier League games last season and 19 so far this season. As he competed with many midfielders and adapted to being deployed as a winger, he made just three first division starts this season.
The former Fulham man said Salah, who took over the position he held on his move from the Cottagers, has helped the young players at Anfield.
The Egyptian superstar also contacted Elliott when he was with his country at the Africa Cup of Nations last month to see how he was doing in his absence. “I think you learn a lot from different players until the day you retire and Mo is a good example of that,” Elliott said in Liverpool’s matchday programme.
“Especially because when I first came to the club I played almost the same position. I signed him as a right midfielder, knowing it would take a miracle to replace him!I had to adapt my game but there were things I took from that position to the midfielder I play now: goal threat, creativity etc.
“Famous, he always tries to push me and other young people, but honestly, there’s no need for that.“He’s an icon on and off the field, focusing on himself and making sure he’s breaking records and things like that. It may be easy, but it takes time to get to know each other and make sure of it.
He is ready to give us advice whenever we need it. “For example, after the FA Cup last round game against Arsenal, even though I was at the AFCON against Egypt, he texted me and said, ‘How was it?’ and so on. Those are the things that they have to do. “It’s nothing to do, but he’s just a great guy and always wants the best for everyone.”
Salah suffered a thigh injury while playing for Egypt’s national team, which lost to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Round of 16. He is unlikely to be fit for Burnley’s trip to Anfield on Saturday, but a trip to Brentford on February 17 is likely.
