Liverpool: Michael Edwards to pay record fee for ‘next Lionel Messi’

For 90 minutes on a humid night in Barcelona, Liverpool experienced the dreaded sight of Lionel Messi in full flow. The diminutive Argentinian ran through thickets of defenders. He glided on the turf of the Camp Nou and the Reds could stop him with no avail.

In the second game at Anfield, Klopp and his boys got their revenge. But the performances at the Camp Nou has left an indelible mark on the supporters of the club.

Lionel Messi had never previously performed against the Reds, and his excellence was just more proof as to why he’s one of the best players in the world of all time. An era-defining star.

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But every era must come to an end. The capitulation of Barcelona at Anfield was seemingly the demise of the Catalans and Messi will soon have his own.

Lionel Messi tormented Liverpool.

In the gaping abyss left by his absence, many will be looking to fill the void.

It is too early to tell but one of the Reds’ very own stars could emulate the Argentinian.

Yesterday a tribunal determined the ultimate fee the Reds had to play for Harvey Elliott which amounted to a fee in the region of £4m, a record for a 16 year old via Sky Sports News.

Fans will already be aware of Elliott’s genius. Immediately upon his arrival he caught the eye in pre-season. As a 16 year old he played with maturity beyond his years.

Now on-loan at Blackburn Elliott is demonstrating the same potential, and showing signs the ceiling could be the limit for the 17 year old.

12 goals and assists is an impressive return, but what has been the stand-out is how the diminutive winger dictates and dominated games for Blackburn Rovers.

He can always conjure up something special and that ability is a unique trait reserved for only the very best of stars. Icons like Lionel Messi.

Harvey Elliott has the potential to have a similar impact on the Reds. He is a boyhood red through and through and if he continues his performances it will only be a matter of time until he becomes a regular in the first team.

Just like Lionel Messi he’s showing his class in the second division at the same age, but has already demonstrated flickers of genius for Liverpool’s first team too.

For now comparisons are too soon. Even though others have ‘dubbed him the English Messi’ via Liverpool Echo. One thing which is promising that Harvey Elliott has almost become his ‘own’ player. There are no need for comparisons.

He’s simply Harvey Elliott.

Not the next Salah or Messi.

Are you excited to see Harvey Elliott back at Anfiled next year?