27 Feb 2021 10:58:35
When Fowler and Owen were 17-18 years old I was fortunate at the time to be able to go and watch all their games. Fowler at 18 was our best player and by some distance. There are examples of the same at many other clubs. Elliot deserves his chance in pre season and hopefully up till Christmas to see if he too is ready for the first team at 17.

1.) 27 Feb 2021
27 Feb 2021 11:41:01
OP, different eras, man. Even Lionel Messi was not a full time starter at Barcelona at 17 or even 18. He only became a full time starter at age 20 when Pep took over in 2008. Same with Foden, he only became a full time starter this season, his 3rd season in the first team at City.

Personally, if Klopp believes he is ready to play now at 17 then, great. If not, the kid should bide his time and b loaned out to a PL team or a top team in the Championship to continue his progression. Just my take.

2.) 27 Feb 2021
27 Feb 2021 12:18:36
I think he is 18 in a couple of months, so 18 and a half by the start of a new season. Get him on the bench, flog Shaq and Origi, he can't be any worse. If he's good enough it will be no problem.

3.) 27 Feb 2021
27 Feb 2021 12:46:04
I tend to agree with Irish Rover. As long as he got game time even from the bench I agree replace Shaq and/ or Origi with him. But he needs to play regularly to continue his development. He has the potential to be very special.

4.) 27 Feb 2021
27 Feb 2021 13:01:48
If you look at the kids who have broken through into the PL in recent years, they tend to be physically mature beyond their years in the main.
The athletes are a lot stronger and fitter and you’d have to be very careful throwing a smaller player like Elliot in amongst that.
Admittedly I haven’t seen much of him over this season but you don’t want to sicken the lad, getting knocked around too much?
I know the Championship has a reputation for being robust butt the PL is another step up physically these days.

{Ed077's Note - you can't expect him to start contributing right away after returning from his loan spell. He is still very young.}

5.) 27 Feb 2021
27 Feb 2021 14:29:15
My sentiments exactly, Ed. Many thought Foden should leave City cos he was not getting any game time at that moment a couple of years ago. He was 17/ 18 at the time. Pep did not yield to the pressure and Foden got the time he needed to develop at his own pace. Now look at him. Certain players need more time to develop and if HE is that type of player then, he should b allowed the time he needs to develop, IMO.

HE is still a kid right now and needs time to grow and sticking him on the bench after lighting it up in the Championship will do him no good, IMO. If he cannot be a viable option to call upon then he needs to b playing regularly somewhere else on loan.

{Ed077's Note - not every player is ready/developed to play PL footy at 16-17 like Rooney for example.}

6.) 27 Feb 2021
27 Feb 2021 15:34:28
Also even if they are, playing them a lot at that age tends to mean their bodies are knackered by the time they are 30 which, in an era of top players maintaining their peak well into their 30s, isn't great for anyone. Let his body finish maturing even if his talent has.

{Ed077's Note - well you have a point. Rooney ( the example I used) is already retired after spending a few years playing at a "lower level" and is now a coach at Derby County whilst CR7 who is a little bit older than WR is still one of the best players in the world. Managing the progress of youth players is a very nuanced thing. Can't overplay or play them before they are ready but also can't keep denying them minutes without stalling their progress.its a very fine line. But I think Klopp is very well experienced at bringing through exciting young players.}

7.) 27 Feb 2021
27 Feb 2021 19:51:26
Foden didn't go on loan though Oli. He stayed at City, accepted his role as a squad player, and learned every day in training how to conduct himself at the highest level from players like Kompany and Silva.

Elliott would definitely learn more on that side of things training alongside Salah, Virgil and Hendo. This loan has been perfect though, i admit. Blackburn are under no pressure so he is playing regularly and with freedom. They're also based very close to Liverpool.

However, how would he fair on loan at a team like Brighton if results start going against them and the manager had the classic response? Loan players become the scapegoat, and senior players get called on. Or maybe he goes to Leeds and they are suddenly in a relegation battle? Bielsa walks, Allardyce or Pulis come in to steady the ship and Elliott is cast aside because he's not 6ft3.

Loans are risky. He needed a loan to bulk up and get used to being roughed up by men as he looked physically weak last season. I just really strongly believe he is best off being coached by Klopp, than guys like Mowbray. Of course i fully respect your right to disagree though.

8.) 27 Feb 2021
27 Feb 2021 22:22:38
I agree with most of what you say MK, apart from the criticism of Mowbray, he’s been very supportive of Elliott and been encouraging senior players to get the ball to him as often as possible and given him the space to play. I’m pretty convinced that Elliott being in and around the first team next year would benefit us hugely, I’d like to see him take Shaqiri’s place in the squad. He’ll get games and put pressure on those in front of him.