“Going To Do What It Takes…” – John Barnes On ‘Super Influential’ Liverpool Ace | OneFootball

By Priya Kaur

Liverpool legend, John Barnes, shared his thoughts on the role of Harvey Elliott within Liverpool’s squad, addressing the young midfielder’s current status and future prospects.

Although the term ‘super sub’ is not one Elliott has taken to well, it pretty much sums up spells of his time at the club so far having been described previously as ‘super influential’ by Jurgen Klopp.

Speaking to Dan Clubbe at a recent LiveScore fan event in Liverpool, Barnes candidly acknowledged Elliott’s position in the team, stating: “If you have your strongest eleven available, will you put Harvey in there? No, but he will be in the squad and come on.”

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He emphasised Elliott’s value as a reliable and adaptable player, likening him to James Milner, “we’ve seen similarities with James Milner, who was on the bench for three years, but these are the types of players who come on, don’t sulk, and get the job done.”

The conversation then shifted to the challenges of those who frequently occupy a substitute role. Barnes highlighted the importance of personal decision-making, particularly for players like Elliott and Caoimhin Kelleher.

“The player has to make a decision if he is happy where he is, and we’ve seen it with Kelleher. Is he happy with being a sub, or does he want to play every week?”

When asked whether Eliott’s background as a boyhood Red complicates the decision, Barnes stated “Yes, but at his age it is ok for now because he is still quite young. But at 29 or 30 years old, he may decide it’s not for him and want to play every week.”

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Barnes also pointed out a broader trend in modern football, where players seem more accepting of squad roles. “I think in modern football, nearly all players are happy to be at clubs and not play every week. But it’s a question of how long it is going to go on for. He is still young enough to say ‘I’ll put up with it for now’.”

Harvey Elliott has time on his side, only being 21 years of age, and has expressed his own desire to stay at the club explaining in a recent interview, “I want to fight for my place, fight for my position in the team. I am going to do what it takes to help the team out when possible… Liverpool is my club.”

Even though Harvey is young, he exudes professionalism and adaptability, hinting at a bright future for our diamond.

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Undoubtedly a more than worthy squad option, Elliott’s impact cannot be denied in recent times and opportunities to start more matches cannot be far away given the fixture list.

Barnes’ assessment of the situation is more than fair, albeit the young England Under 21 International will be desperate to become a more regular feature in the first team at Anfield sooner rather than later.