Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon has claimed that Harvey Elliott 'reminds' him of footballing great, Lionel Messi.
The 18-year-old was handed a second Premier League start of the season by manager Jurgen Klopp and capitalised on his opportunity to make an impression against Chelsea.
Although not on the scoresheet for Liverpool, Elliott produced another encouraging display at Anfield having impressed last time out against Burnley.
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Elliott could have done better with an effort he blazed over the bar in the first-half, but he caught the eye of Dixon regardless.
Commenting on the performance of the Liverpool youngster, the two-time Premier League winner likened Elliott to Messi.
“He’s probably been Liverpool’s best player. Knowing where the space is, little walks into that space," he told NBC Sport in relation to yesterday's 1-1 draw at Anfield.
Dixon added: "Listen, I’m going to say something now. He reminds me a little bit of Messi. He walks like him. He’s diminutive and just waits for the ball to come to him. He’s a real talent at 18 – that’s for sure!”
Klopp was equally pleased with Elliott's impact against Thomas Tuchel's side and defended his decision to start the Fulham academy graduate in a game of such importance.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the Reds' boss said: “When you are old enough to drive a car you should be old enough to play football games!
“He is in the right place. He’s a smart player. He didn’t look tired for a second and kept going."
