Harvey Elliott was once seen as a huge prospect for the Reds, and while a mix of injuries and time spent on the bench has impacted that, his presence around the first team has been hailed by fans
Harvey Elliott of Liverpool is congratulated by team-mate Rio Ngumoha
Harvey Elliott ensured that Rio Ngumoha soaked up the plaudits after his goal against Newcastle United
(Image: 2025 Chris Brunskill/Fantasista)
There is no better way to announce yourself to the Liverpool faithful than with a late winner, something Rio Ngumoha found out for himself on Monday evening. The now 17-year-old starlet stole the headlines with a stunning finish in the 10th minute of added time against Newcastle United at St James' Park to hand the Reds a 3-2 victory.
In the ensuing chaos of Ngumoha's strike, he was swamped by his ecstatic team-mates. And eagle-eyed fans have noticed a heart-warming moment in Liverpool FC's 'Inside' video, a behind-the-scenes look at the game, coming courtesy of Liverpool's prodigy from yesteryear, Harvey Elliott.
As Ngumoha is buried in an avalanche of red shirts, Elliott, 22, can be seen running into the huddle and hugging the young winger, who had just become Liverpool's youngest ever goalscorer. He then fishes out the youngster in order to push him toward the Liverpool fans, who were watching on from stories above at St James' Park, so he could soak up the glory of his big moment.
The touching gesture has fans now saying the same thing about Elliott: he simply has to stay at the club. In a summer of upheaval at Anfield, Elliott's time at the Premier League champions looked to be up. Dwindling minutes and his status as a substitute all but confirmed under Arne Slot has seen heavy interest come from RB Leipzig in Germany.
Harvey Elliott pushes Rio Ngumoha to the crowd
Harvey Elliott pushed Rio Ngumoha to the crowd to fully embrace his big moment
(Image: Liverpool FC)
Elliott, who became the youngest player in the Premier League at 16 years and 30 days old for former club Fulham in 2019, and then Liverpool's youngest player to feature in the Premier League, was the focus of supporters' admiration.
Many seemed to be in agreement that a player boasting Elliott's desire to see his team-mates thrive is a crucial element to any successful squad. One fan wrote: "Notice Harvey after Rio scores [heart emoji] hope he stays man."
Another, referencing Federico Chiesa's late strike against Bournemouth on the opening weekend of the season, added: "He [Elliott] was the one who made Chiesa soak up the atmosphere too."
A third posted: "Love that from Harvey that he pushes Rio to enjoy his moment with the fans but also telling Rio to lock back in after looking at the clock", a fourth added: "Love the way Elliott pushed Rio so he can get the praise from the travelling Reds."
Speaking on Ngumoha's instant impact in pre-season, Elliott was fully convinced the youngster was primed to make his mark this season.
Rio Ngumoha celebrates scoring Curtis Jones (L) and Harvey Elliott
Harvey Elliott is confident that Rio Ngumoha has a big future at the club
(Image: AFP or licensors)
"He is fearless," said Elliott. "We are trying as much as we can to help him out. If he keeps on performing the way he is and working as hard as he is, the kid has got an amazing future. I'm really excited to see where things go. Hopefully, he can be very successful.
"It's important that the younger lads are around him and look after him, which is what we have been doing. We are not leaving him out and are bringing him into the squad and making him feel really part of it. In the upcoming years, hopefully, he can show the world and especially Liverpool why he is so highly rated."
Elliott, who joined the Reds from the Cottagers in 2019, has always maintained his desire to stay at Anfield. His love for the club he has supported all his life was palpable as he discussed his career earlier this summer; however, he maintained he had to consider his next step carefully.
"If I had it my way I would be here for the rest of my career, it's as simple as that," Elliott told The Anfield Wrap. "I love everything about the club, but at the same time I kind of need to be selfish and see what's best for me. I have big ambitions."