Liverpool fans have been crying out for the signing of a new midfielder, but there is one potential internal solution in their squad who has returned to pre-season in tip top shape.
And that player is 19-year-old Harvey Elliott.
Elliott began the 2021/22 season in some brilliant form, establishing himself as a regular starter, but a devastating ankle brake in September curtailed his development.
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He returned from his injury in February, but failed to regain his spot in Jürgen Klopp’s starting XI.
The youngster hopes his summer training programme will help change that.
Speaking to The Athletic, Elliott revealed he has “lost a fair bit of weight in the off-season,” meeting the “target” he set for himself.
He hopes his work over the summer has helped “prove” himself to Jürgen Klopp leaving him in the “best possible position to get minutes.”
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It is a big season for Elliott, and there is a starting place to be claimed in the Liverpool midfield.
Jordan Henderson’s peak years are behind him, and Jürgen Klopp is looking for one of his many midfield options to fill that key position to the right of Fabinho.
The occupant of that midfield role is given the license to play in a more offensively oriented manner, something which suits Elliott’s profile.
For years it has been noted that Liverpool’s midfield lacks goals and creativity, Elliott will be backing himself to fill that void.
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Each and every one of Liverpool’s midfielders need to prove themselves to their manager this season as an engine room refresh is on the cards in 2023.
All signs point towards Borussia Dortmund starlet Jude Bellingham moving to Anfield next summer, and room will no doubt need to be made for the £100+ million signing.
The futures of the likes of Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Elliott could all be in doubt.
Elliott must step up if he is to stay in Klopp's plan.
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Topics: Liverpool, Harvey Elliott
Robert Worthington