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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
As reported by The Express, Fulham boss Scott Parker has had his say on Harvey Elliott’s move to Liverpool.
The former England international took over the reins at Craven Cottage after Claudio Ranieri was sacked, and tried his best to keep the Cottagers’ brightest young talent at the club.
However, the 16-year-old prospect rejected a scholarship deal with Fulham and instead signed for Liverpool, amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
What did Parker say?
The 38-year-old former West Ham midfielder said: “I was gutted and disappointed he chose to leave.
“I had a long chat with Harvey and explained to him the opportunity I felt we could give him this season. I felt he would be pivotal to what we are doing and part of the squad.
“At Liverpool he is going to get less opportunities than he would have here.”
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He’s right, but what about Jurgen Klopp’s influence?
Admittedly, Elliott will naturally get fewer chances at Anfield for the European champions as opposed to the opportunities he would’ve got at Championship side Fulham – that much is just stating the obvious.
However, Parker shouldn’t be so quick to discount Jurgen Klopp’s ability to work with young players and give them the chance to prove themselves.
The German has already placed his trust in 19-year-old Rhian Brewster for the upcoming season, and also thrust Trent Alexander-Arnold into the spotlight at just 18 years of age for his first Premier League start which came at Old Trafford – if you’re good enough, you’re good enough for Klopp.
Klopp also helped develop Mario Gotze when the German midfielder was blossoming at Dortmund – it can’t be argued that the Liverpool boss isn’t good at developing youngsters.
Intriguingly, the 5 foot 7 Elliott has also been held behind with the first-team squad in Evian as they knuckle down in their preparations for the Community Shield, whilst other youngsters such as Sepp van den Berg, Ki-Jana Hoever and Bobby Duncan have returned home.
Parker is right in a way, but that isn’t to say that Elliott isn’t in good hands under Klopp.
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