20 January 2024 , 20:30
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Harvey Elliott's QPR academy kit was so big - "it looked like a dress".
But that didn't deter Liverpool's 20-year-old playmaker on his inspirational journey to the top. "I was the U11s manager at QPR, Harvey was U10s but we played him up an age group," says Elliott's former youth coach Scott Chickelday.
"He was always the first one there, 30-45 minutes before the session started which is credit to his dad. He'd be the one saying 'Scott can I have a ball, please?'"
Despite his diminutive frame, Elliott's technique would do the talking. What he lacked in height, he made up for in skill, desire and determination. Chickelday is adamant those years have now proven to be a fundamental step in Elliott's personal development.
The newly-appointed Aston Villa women's coach added: "Harvey used to dominate his own age group and needed to feel more challenged. He was never the biggest anyway but Harvey has got a bit of grit, don't worry about that.
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"That's what I liked about him. He was one of those that if he got knocked over, he would get back up. No moaning or anything. Playing up a year made him learn that sometimes you can't get into fights and wrestles with the more physically-developed lads because it's going to be tough to win those battles.
"It helped him release the ball faster and think about his positioning so that he received the ball in areas where he could cause real problems. His feet were also a joke. We used to do skill sessions and I'd always use Harvey for demos. He would blow it out of the water every time, without fail."
Scott Chickelday still works with Harvey Elliott now when the Liverpool attacker desires extra sessions (@sc9strikercoach/Instagram)Chickelday remains in close contact with Elliott's father Scott and has reunited with the England U21 attacker to help sharpen his tools during the off-season.
He is adamant Elliott's numbers are destined to explode - purely because of his work ethic.
"Harvey sets high standards and I think he's shown a great attitude at Liverpool," Chickelday added.
"Some young players when they weren't playing would have been onto their agents about a transfer or loan.
Harvey Elliott has been making a big impression at Liverpool"Unfortunately, he's got one of the best players in the world in Mohamed Salah ahead of him in his position. But Harvey loves to learn from Mo and will play wherever he's asked. He would even play in goal, he's just that sort of kid.
"Once he gets a run out there on the right flank, I think he'll produce consistent numbers in terms of goals and assists. You forget he is only 20."
Elliott has been one of the unsung heroes of Liverpool's season having made several vital contributions from the bench. Now he's out to force his way into Jurgen Klopp's best XI and there is a high likelihood he will start today at Bournemouth in the absence of Salah.
Chickelday concluded: "Harvey's attitude is spot on. When he's told he's not starting, he will still think about how he can affect the game. I don't think it'll be long before he starts knocking on that England door."
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