Traditionally, summer transfer windows are remembered for insane record-breaking transfer fees, but arguably, one of the most eyebrow-raising transfers in 2020 was a simple loan move. Harvey Elliott, the youngest player to ever feature in a Premier League match at 16 years old and regularly involved in the first-team squad at Anfield, was given a loan move to Blackburn Rovers in the Championship.
This grabbed the headlines for many reasons, none more so than the fact that Elliott had been one of the world’s most converted teenagers before eventually signing for Liverpool from Fulham at 15. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain were just two of a plethora of clubs known to have shown strong interest.
He had already made two appearances for the club in 2020 and was selected for the first-team squad for the 2020/21 season. Many had tipped him to further establish himself into the plans of Jurgen Klopp and increasingly feature in match day squads. Klopp had also stated earlier in the window that Elliott was going nowhere and would be a valuable member of the first team squad.
Blackburn Soccer Odds for 2020/21
With many leading bookies, Blackburns soccer odds are around 9/4 to make the playoffs and 14/1 to go up automatically. One thing is clear, however, those odds would be far longer without a certain Harvey Elliott in the team from Liverpool.
While the Premier League champs are leading the way with 10/11 at most online sportsbooks while the best odds on winning the league are 1/1. Some people are using betting bonuses like free credit for popular football games to bet on teams with longer odds such as Man City who are 9/4, 12/5, and 5/2 at various bookies – and in a league that anything can happen, Man City is a good bet.
Klopp Was Won Over by the Blackburn Managers Approach
If Harvey Elliott was initially listed for a loan move, there would not be a club in the Championship or even many in the Premier League that would not show an interest. However, it was made clear that Elliott was going to be involved at Liverpool, at least up until Tony Mowbray made his pitch and convinced Klopp to let the teenager join Blackburn.
Mowbray is currently the manager of Blackburn Rovers and has based his team’s approach and style of play on the champions of England. They play the same high press, same formation, and utilise the same fluid playing style. If Elliott can play many games in a similar style of his parent club, surely that beats cameo appearances?
Elliott has mainly featured in a front three alongside Ben Brereton and Adam Armstrong, the latter who is leading the Championship goal scoring charts and attracting admirers from the Premier League. Blackburn is also the highest scoring side in the Championship currently. This free flowing attacking style is perfect for the development of Elliott.
Elliott Will Get More Games at Rovers than at Liverpool
Liverpool, who last season emphatically won their first Premier League title and were widely accepted as worthy winners, will be looking to defend their title. Of course, for some, having a hugely talented teenager in the ranks that is only going to develop as he plays more minutes for the first team is only going to help that defense.
In reality, however, Liverpool already has one of the strongest front lines in the world. This is also backed up with expensively assembled squad players that can come in when called upon. Would Elliott really get much more than a few substitute appearances? Cup games? He is still very young and perhaps not quite ready to feature regularly in the starting lineup.
At Blackburn, Elliott is guaranteed regular starts playing at a good standard of football. The Championship is often considered the most competitive league in world football.
Blackburn Soccer Odds for 2020/21
Despite scoring a lot of goals and playing football that is pleasing on the eye, the 2020/21 season has so far been mixed for Rovers. Injuries to key players such as Bradley Dack, Lewis Travis, and Ben Brereton among many others have stalled their progress. That said, they currently sit in the top half of the table just a few points off the playoff places.
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