Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott was previously identified as Mohamed Salah's potential heir by Jamie Carragher. The 23-year-old could head back to Anfield wanting to prove his doubters wrong next season after a disappointing loan spell at Aston Villa.
Elliott's Early Promise
Elliott joined the Reds from Fulham as a 16-year-old and became the youngest-ever player to start for the club when he made his debut in September 2019. A fruitful loan spell at Blackburn Rovers followed, where he flourished on the right wing, which propelled him into Liverpool's first-team squad.
The versatile midfielder has featured in 149 matches for the club but found himself slipping down the pecking order during Arne Slot's first season at Anfield. In search of regular game time, Elliott joined Villa last summer but has since struggled for minutes due to the terms of the deal.
Carragher's Prediction
With a permanent switch to Villa appearing unlikely, Elliott could remind the Reds of his quality if he returns to his parent club next season. Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher previously suggested that the midfielder could fill Salah's place at Anfield.
In February 2022, when speaking about Elliott's prospects, Carragher told Goal: "You have someone really special here, maybe in terms of Mo Salah's replacement, if that's the position he plays in. Mo Salah is getting to 30 now and we're all desperate for him to sign a contract, but whenever Mo Salah goes, maybe you've got your ready-made replacement. Maybe not the same type of player, but a guy that plays on the right and comes in on that left foot."
Carragher added: "Maybe he'll be more creative or maybe he'll get less goals, who knows, but he's definitely a special player and, in the next 18 months, he'll have to find a position for him in the team because players of that quality have to play."
Stalled Development
Several years after Carragher's prediction, Salah is preparing to say goodbye to the club at the end of the season. Yet Elliott's development has stalled due to his restricted playing time this term.
The loan arrangement with Villa features a £35million obligation to buy if Elliott makes a specific number of appearances for Unai Emery's squad. He has played nine times across all competitions, including just four Premier League appearances.
While it's a long way from being hailed as Salah's successor, Elliott's situation doesn't necessarily reflect his talent. Villa's choice not to trigger the £35m clause could potentially work in Liverpool's favour if Elliott is determined to silence his critics.
Opportunity Ahead
It will be virtually impossible for the Reds to recruit a like-for-like successor for Salah this summer. Meanwhile, boss Slot has utilised different players on the right wing this campaign.
If Elliott can catch the eye of the Liverpool boss in training, the 23-year-old could make a case to rejoin the team next season. Four years on, there remains a slim chance for Elliott to fulfil Carragher's prediction.
