da bet7： This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
da bet sport： Harvey Elliott has a bright future ahead of him but he already possesses certain attributes that suggest Jurgen Klopp should consider giving him more regular opportunities to impress.
On the chalkboard
The 16-year-old has already broken the record for the youngest ever player to appear in the Premier League and given how he has already impressed the fans and coaching staff at Anfield – with Pep Lijnders describing him as a “super player” – he looks destined to become an accomplished footballer.
He showed in his only senior game for the club so far, against MK Dons, that he has the confidence to match his talent, achieving a 9/10 rating from the Liverpool Echo for his performance.
The former Fulham man was adept with both feet and created chances with three key passes.
But what was most telling was his ability on the ball and the ease with which he took on opposition defenders.
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He achieved four successful dribbles, double than that of Liverpool’s next best player, and in fact it is an aspect of the team that is lacking – with only five players achieving an average of one successful dribble or more per league game.
Elliott, therefore, would provide something different and could be a valuable asset for Klopp, particularly off the bench.
Attacking alternative
Liverpool have shown championship winning form so far this season but in recent league matches they have been less free-scoring, and instead have ground out narrow wins against the likes of Sheffield United and Leicester.
One problem they have faced this campaign is the defensive nature of the opposition, particularly visitors to Anfield, some of whom have had a preference to drop deep and contain the Reds’ attack, as their share of possession against Spurs and Newcastle shows.
It was a method which worked well for Manchester United for 85 minutes, and it means that Jurgen Klopp needs to find a Plan B for his side, to allow his side to cut through the opposition in a different way.
Elliott could offer that, and though it may be too early to start him in games, he has proved he has both the temperament and skillset to make a difference from the bench.
His ability to take the ball past a player and find a teammate could be vital to unlocking defensive sides, and the sooner he is given the chance to play the sooner Klopp could mould another weapon in his armoury.
The upcoming clash against Arsenal will likely allow the winger to showcase his ability, and if he performs well against a respected left-back in Sead Kolasinac or Kieran Tierney, then his opportunities could become more regular.