Danny Murphy highlighted Harvey Elliott as the standout performer in Liverpool’s 2-1 Premier League win against Newcastle United on Wednesday.
The Reds registered back-to-back wins in dramatic fashion thanks to Fabio Carvalho’s 98th-minute winner, the Portuguese star finishing emphatically off the underside of the bar. Alexander Isak gave Newcastle a first-half lead before Roberto Firmino’s cool finish levelled the score to set the stage for an incredible climax.
Carvalho will grab headlines with his winner – scored one day after his 20th birthday – but it was his former Fulham teammate Elliott who put in the outstanding performance of the night. His relentless energy and confidence in midfield drove the Reds forward as the Magpies' streetwise tactics attempted to slow momentum – and former Liverpool man Murphy hailed the young midfielder for another incredible performance.
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"Liverpool who have been criticised this season, there's been talk of new midfielders coming in," Murphy told Match of the Day. "They've got two young players, especially one who I think has been Liverpool's best player this season in Harvey Elliott. He really took control and demanded it, from minute one he was at it, sharp, confident.
"I think when you see a young player demanding the ball and making things happen – prepared to make mistakes – it doesn't half bode well for the future for him. I like him in this central midfield area as a three, he has more space to hunt the ball down, getting better at his defensive work.
"He's tenacious for a small guy, doesn't mind getting his foot in – nice and strong. When you're a goal down, who's going to get on the ball but also off the ball? He had the most passes in the final third, he's got himself in this position (edge of the 18-yard box) but hasn't quite got the goals. He was involved in everything positive for Liverpool.
"Then in the last minute, you bring on the young lad Carvalho – what a talent he is as well – magic, magic moment for him. It was Harvey Elliott that shone tonight and it might just save Liverpool a few quid in the transfer market. I really believe that he's that talented."
Newcastle fans may feel aggrieved that Carvalho’s winner came eight minutes into added time, despite referee Andre Marriner adding five, and Murphy jokingly added: "Where's Al (Alan Shearer)? Wish he was here."
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