Harvey Elliott's sublime comeback goal was no less than what he deserved, according to Liverpool team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold.
After five months out injured, 17-year-old Elliott returned as a second-half substitute against Cardiff City in the FA Cup on Sunday and capped off an exciting cameo performance with a superb left-footed strike that brought the Anfield crowd to their feet.
The young midfielder celebrated his goal with clear delight and Alexander-Arnold acknowledged that the moment had signalled the welcome return of one of Liverpool's hottest prospects to first-team action.
In an interview with Liverpool's official club website, the Reds right-back said: “I sit next to him in the changing room downstairs so I've seen his journey, on his good days and on his bad days, pushing through, always putting in the work.
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“At the start not really even being able to walk and then developing to seeing him back on the pitch and things like that, it has been good to see. As a young lad to be able to bounce back as quickly as he did is outstanding for him.
“Hats off to his mentality throughout the whole thing, he has conducted himself amazingly and the least he deserved was that goal.
“It feels like he has been around for a really long time considering he's only really been playing this season. It’s quite crazy to think about.
“He is someone who is embedded into the team, into the squad. He is someone who is important for us at such a young age and it’s good for him to be able to get those experiences under his belt and good for him to get his first goal, which obviously I know he's been waiting for. Like I said, it was the least he deserved.”
Elliott's 58th-minute introduction against the Bluebirds on Sunday was his first appearance in a red shirt since September 12, 2021 after he was stretchered off against Leeds United at Elland Road.
And now the teenager is knocking on the door for another opportunity when Liverpool face Leicester City in the Premier League at Anfield on Thursday evening.
Elliott enjoyed a fruitful period on loan at Blackburn Rovers last season, making 31 appearances and scoring seven goals for the Championship club.
