Jurgen Klopp labelled Harvey Elliott’s goalscoring return in Liverpool’s 3-1 FA Cup fourth round win over Cardiff as a “fairytale” after five months out with a serious ankle injury.
Elliott was introduced off the bench alongside new signing Luis Diaz after Diogo Jota’s header had opened the scoring early in the second half.
Diaz made an instant impact by teeing up Takumi Minamino to double Liverpool’s lead.
But the biggest cheer was reserved for Elliott when he fired home on the volley 14 minutes from time.
There were fears Elliott could be out for at least the rest of the season when he suffered a dislocated ankle against Leeds.
“Coming on was a great step back but scoring this goal was a proper fairytale,” said Klopp.
“Harvey was unlucky with the injury but lucky with the whole process afterwards.
“Everything went really well. He did an incredible job, the medical department did an incredible job. He is a fearless boy and a great footballer.”
Rubin Colwill pulled a goal back for the Bluebirds, but it is Liverpool who will meet Norwich at Anfield in the last 16.
For the final time, Klopp was without Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah due to their participation at the Africa Cup of Nations with the club teammates set to face off in Sunday’s final as Senegal take on Egypt.
After two weeks without a game, Klopp took the opportunity to name a strong side.
But the home side were frustrated for the first 45 minutes as Dillon Phillips produced a brilliant save to deny Jota and Minamino had a goal ruled out.
Jota finally made the breakthrough with a fine header from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick.
Both Diaz and Elliott were then given a huge ovation as they made their entrance.
Liverpool beat Tottenham to the signing of the Colombian for an initial £37.5 million ($50 million) and Diaz showed his quick feet to pounce on a Cardiff defensive error and pull the ball back for Minamino to finish.
Diaz also survived an injury scare when took a blow to the knee late on.
“We said ‘Welcome to England!’” Klopp added. “The goal he set up for Taki was absolutely incredible high press – I love it.”
Elliott is one of the brightest young talents in English football as he demonstrated with a sublime touch and finish to smash home from Andy Robertson’s cross
