Harvey Elliot made a small bit of Liverpool history on Wednesday evening when became the youngest player to start a Champions League game (excluding qualifiers) for the club. The 18-year-old played an hour in Liverpool's 2-0 last-16 first leg victory over Inter Milan.
"The reason why Harvey played was because we knew the spaces we have to play in are naturally his area; these half spaces around the midfield three, being very flexible, naturally offensive-minded," said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
"He had really good moments, but we all know he can play much better. He did the job, and he was working incredibly hard.
"When you are 18-years-old, and you play against one of the most experienced teams in world football, and they are Italian on top of that, it's not a walk in the park.
"It was a very important game for him, and very helpful for us as well."
𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗢! ⚽️🇧🇷
A HUGE goal for Liverpool in the San Siro 💪#INTLIV #UCL pic.twitter.com/0olJ4UsxDa
— Watch the UCL on LiveScore 🇮🇪 (@LiveScoreIE) February 16, 2022
Elliot was replaced on the hour mark as part of a triple substitution by Klopp which saw him bring on Luis Diaz, Jordan Henderson and Naby Keity. It was real display of strength by the Liverpool manager.
"We changed again, three times early, and the boys that came on had a proper impact," said Klopp.
"All three were really, really good. Bobby scored, and from there, we controlled the game, and scored a really nice second one."
Jurgen Klopp credits analysts for Liverpool goal
Roberto Firmino scored Liverpool's first goal after 75 minutes with Mo Salah getting the second eight minutes later.
Firmino's goal came via a planned move from a corner.
"Pete Krawietz, and our analysts, are responsible for that," said Klopp.
"When we do the analysis, we see how the opponents are defending. We didn't have a lot of time to train but trained set piece yesterday. That was the only proper thing we did in training, a bit of tactical stuff but without intensity. It's all credit to Pete and his boys."
Liverpool play the second leg at Anfield on March 8th.
"It’s still dangerous," said Klopp.
"It’s half-time, nothing else. That’s how it is in the knockout stages. We don’t feel like we’re halfway through, it will be tricky and we have to be ready.
"It’s 2-0 at half-time. I wouldn’t tell the boys it was job done if it was 2-0 at half-time in any other game here, so I won’t think any different here."
Who else? 🇪🇬👑
Mo Salah doubles Liverpool's lead in Milan! 🔴#INTLIV #UCL pic.twitter.com/a2eGISyiJf
— Watch the UCL on LiveScore 🇮🇪 (@LiveScoreIE) February 16, 2022
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