Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has paid tribute to “fearless” teenager Harvey Elliott after the midfielder scored his first goal for the club on his comeback game from a serious ankle injury.
The ex-Fulham starlet endured almost five months on the sidelines after sustaining the severe injury against Leeds United in September but made excellent strides in his recovery over the festive period.
Elliott came off the bench during the visit of Cardiff City in the FA Cup on Sunday and scored Liverpool’s third in a 3-1 victory – a well-taken volley at the Kop End for his first strike in red.
Speaking to ITV after the fourth-round win, Klopp said: “Harvey and the medical department did an incredible job. He is fearless. When you’re that young, you deal with it better and he dealt with it perfectly. Him getting this goal was a really touching moment.”
Diogo Jota and Takumi Minamino were also on target for Liverpool at Anfield, as Cardiff grabbed a late consolation through Rubin Colwill in front of their buoyant supporters.
Luis Diaz was also brought on for his debut in the second half and played a key role in the Reds’ second goal, with some silky skill on the byline preceding his first assist for the club as he picked out Minamino in the box.