Jurgen Klopp may now need to start quietly pivotal player as Liverpool issue clear

Elliott change nears

It was around this time last year that, having been a regular throughout a tortuous campaign, Harvey Elliott was taken out of the firing line by Liverpool. That Jurgen Klopp’s side finished strongly largely without the youngster prompted suggestions from some he was no longer required in a new-look squad.

This season, though, has underlined nothing could be further from the truth. And as Liverpool begin their sprint for the finish line, so Elliott continues to make a significant, positive difference.

While his Premier League starts have been rare – just six in 27 top-flight outings – the impact of the now 21-year-old has been consistent. Having helped inject new life into the Reds against Sheffield United on Thursday, here Elliott was tasked with dragging Liverpool back into a game that was somehow slipping away from them.

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Once again, he stepped up to the task. His care in possession and clipped cross deliveries caused the Manchester United defence constant headaches, and his long-established understanding with Mohamed Salah allowed him to wriggle his way into the box and coax the late penalty from Aaron Wan-Bissaka that the Egyptian converted.

With Dominik Szoboszlai having underwhelmed as he continues to seek full match sharpness, Elliott is now knocking hard on the door for more regular Premier League minutes. His contributions are becoming pivotal.

Quansah’s learning curve

Jarell Quansah’s Liverpool career had been one of serene, impressive progress to arguably edge Ibrahima Konate out of the starting line-up on merit for