A general view inside the stadium is seen prior to the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and CA Osasuna at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on November 09, 2024 in Madrid, Spain
One current Liverpool star could have been turning out for Real Madrid
Harvey Elliott admitted he did not need long to decide to snub Real Madrid for Liverpool.
Prior to joining the Reds, Elliott was considered one of the most promising young talents in global football. Before his transfer to Merseyside, Elliott had made history as the youngest player to ever appear in the Premier League when he was brought off the bench for Fulham in May 2019 at just 16 years and 30 days old.
Fast forward to today, and Elliott could potentially face off against the Spanish titans tonight (Wednesday) in the Champions League, having been named on the bench for the 3-2 away win over Southampton. Elliot has been recovering from a nasty foot injury that has limited him to just one Premier League appearances this season.
Liverpool will welcome Carlo Ancelotti's squad to Anfield in what is a pivotal match for both teams' aspirations of securing top spot in the Champions League's new league stage. Last year, Elliott reflected on his decision to pick Jurgen Klopp over Zinedine Zidane five years prior.
[
Loris Karius 'considering retirement' as he opens up on major Liverpool errors](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/loris-karius-liverpool-champions-league-34197162)
During an interview with the We Are Liverpool podcast, Elliott discussed his decision. He said: "It was just a mixture of things to be honest. I was close to going to Madrid and then I think Liverpool came in.
"As soon as I heard they had come in, that was it. My heart was set on it, just because of being a Liverpool fan, all the family and it was my dad's dream to play for Liverpool himself, but he didn't quite make it.
"But my little brother as well, is a massive supporter, probably one of the biggest I've ever seen in my life. He's always coming to me with information that I didn't even know and he doesn't even play for the team.
Real Madrid player Carvajal (down) and Valverde (L) Liverpool player Harvey Elliott (C). Real Madrid vs. Liverpool round of 16 match day 2 of 2 in the Champions League. Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in the capital of the Kingdom of Spain.
Harvey Elliott did not have to think long and hard to select the Merseysiders over Real Madrid
"I'd be like, 'oh, where did you get that from' and he would be like, 'oh, I don't know, I heard it from such and such in the player's lounge or whatever'."
Elliott has clocked up 120 appearances for Liverpool, netting 10 goals and providing 14 assists. His most successful season in a Reds jersey was last year, when he scored three times and set up six more goals. Injuries have hindered his ability to make an impact under Slot this season.
Prior to the win over Southampton, Slot confessed that not being able to utilise the England U21 international has been a significant setback. The Dutchman said: "We always want all of our players available and it was a blow for him and for us that he got injured for such a long time, because I think he has been out for three months now.
Injuries have limited Elliott to just one Premier League appearance this season
"Now we also have to give him time to come back to his normal level. I just spoke about Ibou Konate, who was out from playing football for maybe two or three or four months because he didn't play at the end of the season and didn't play in the Euros; as a result of that, his first game against Man United in pre-season wasn't his best.
"That is something which is completely normal for a football player, and this is something we have to take into consideration with Harvey as well. Yes, he is training with us again but that is different than being on the top of your game immediately again.
"So we have to give him time for this as well, but I am very fortunate that he is back, especially with the amount of games coming up in the upcoming two, three or four months."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.