Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott has left his No. 67 shirt for a new squad number ahead of the new season.
The change to a lower number could signify a more prominent role for Elliott in Jurgen Klopp‘s squad for the 2022/23 campaign.
Having worn the No. 67 shirt since his arrival three years ago, Elliott has now been confirmed as Liverpool’s new No. 19.
Ozan Kabak was the most recent player to wear the shirt during his loan spell from Schalke in the second half of the 2020/21 season.
Other players to have worn the No. 19 in the past include Sadio Mane – who wore it for two years before taking the No. 10 – Stewart Downing, Steven Caulker and Ryan Babel.
On making the change, Elliott explained the pleasure of donning a number that has been worn by a Liverpool ‘great’ and moving down the order following his time in the No. 67.
“Obviously the number became available, some great players have worn it in the past – the likes of Sadio and the list goes on,” Elliott told the club’s official website.
“I think it was an opportunity to get down the ranks in terms of the numbers, and for me personally it’s a wonderful number.
“I remember having a Sadio shirt with the number 19 on it as a kid. So to be able to wear it after him, it’s a great pleasure.
“At the end of the day, a number is just a number, but it’s just nice to have a lower number. I think it’s a great opportunity going into another season.
“So, hopefully, I can prove to myself and prove to everyone that I’m able to have these kind of numbers and able to perform under this kind of pressure, because it comes with it.”
Two years ago, fellow midfield youngster Curtis Jones picked up the No. 17 shirt, which was previously worn by Ragnar Klavan.
Jones has since gone on to establish himself as an important member of Liverpool’s midfield, something Elliott will be hoping to replicate in 2022/23.
He made 12 appearances for the Reds last season, a campaign disrupted by a nasty ankle injury sustained against Leeds in September.
We could see Elliott don the No. 19 shirt for the first time when Liverpool take on Man United in a pre-season friendly in Bangkok on July 12.
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