Another tough test awaits for Liverpool on Thursday as Jurgen Klopp’s men continue their pursuit of a treble this season, against top-six Italian side Atalanta in the Europa League quarter-finals at Anfield.
Klopp will be desperate for his side to win tonight as he looks to end his Liverpool spell on a high, with three potential trophies. The Reds have already secured the Carabao Cup – and remain in the title race.
Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini does not believe that Liverpool’s presence in the title race will be a distraction come tonight’s first leg. That is even if Liverpool and Klopp make a few changes to the side.
Harvey Elliott will surely start for Liverpool v Atalanta tonight
One of those could be 21-year-old midfielder Harvey Elliott, who only got 20 minutes against Manchester United on Sunday. Elliott has started and finished seven of Liverpool’s eight Europa League games so far.
The England U21 star has been excellent for The Reds this season. He is in fine form, Neil Mellor saying he was “absolutely excellent” during his cameo role against Man United. Klopp was full of praise for him, too.
It comes after Elliott suffered a dislocated ankle at the start of the 21 22 campaign, under a robust tackle from Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk. But he’s come back, firing on all cylinders, playing 110 games.
Klopp says what is “absolutely crazy” about Liverpool’s Elliott
The gaffer spoke toTNT Sports ahead of tonight’s match and he claimed that before his injury, Elliott was Liverpool’s “best player”. He also said that it is “absolutely crazy” that Elliott is still only 21 years of age.
“We constantly forget how young he is, that’s the most positive thing I can say. The way he behaves on the pitch. He’s a kid, trains the same, you’d never think he’s 21. Absolutely crazy. He had a horrible injury.
“Before the injury, he was our best player. After the injury he needed time. We are one of the best teams in Europe, he is one of our most-important players. Doesn’t mean he starts. Played an incredible season.”
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