For so long in this injury-stricken season for Liverpool, which has left them highly unlikely to be competing in next season’s Champions League, Harvey Elliott had been the one constant.
An ever-present, although not starting every game, he had featured in every Reds match this season up until the 4-1 loss away at Man City at the start of April. Since that heavy defeat, Jurgen Klopp’s men have gone six games unbeaten to take control of the race for Europa League football, but the 20-year-old had not been involved in any of this mini-revival.
Left out of the matchday squad entirely for the 0-0 draw away at Chelsea, losing his ever-present status in the process, Elliott has watched on from the sidelines as an unused substitute for Liverpool’s 2-2 comeback draw with Arsenal and victories over Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, and West Ham United. And in his absence, Klopp has tweaked the Reds’ formation.
READ MORE: Martin Tyler branded 'crime against football' after Liverpool vs Tottenham commentary
With Trent Alexander-Arnold now utilised as inverted full-back when Liverpool are on the ball, pushing into midfield alongside Fabinho, the Reds’ two remaining midfielders are given further licence to push forward and outside with Jordan Henderson and Curtis Jones filling such roles since such a set-up’s implementation.
Yet Elliott was given an opportunity to show what he could do in the new system against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, making his first appearance in over a month as Liverpool ran out 4-3 winners. Racing into a 3-0 lead inside 15 minutes, it had seemed like a seamless transition with the midfielder involved in the Reds’ build-up for both their second and third goals.
However, by the time he was replaced by Henderson just after the hour-mark, Liverpool had lost control of proceedings despite their lead and explosive start. As a result, he could only watch on helplessly once more and Spurs drew level thanks to late goals from Son Heung-min and Richarlison. Fortunately for the Reds, Diogo Jota would net an ever later winner.
Speaking after the final whistle at Anfield, Elliott admitted the last month has been tough for him on a personal level after suddenly finding himself out of the team. And while he conceded he’s also still adapting to the new formation, he’s determined to do all he can to win his place back permanently after being handed his first minutes in such a system.
“It's (been) tough (being out of the team), but at the same time the team has been playing well and winning,” Elliott told the ECHO and other reporters. “It's always that situation, the lads who have played have been unbelievable.
“If I'm playing I want to give it my all and stay in the team as much as I can but at the same time I have to reflect on my season personally and I've played a lot and lads are coming back from injury and deserve to play as well.
“If I'm not playing or if someone else is playing, I'm heartbroken but I want to be there for the team and encourage everyone. I am more than happy and grateful to get the opportunity and hopefully I will get a few more before the end of the season. It is up to me to put in the performances to not to be droppable.
“That's all I can do (put in good performances when turned to and impress in training), to keep knocking on the gaffer's door and show him I want to be playing. I have to take a step back and look at the situation and the lads are performing unbelievably well.
“A prime example is Curtis, who has been out for a while, come back in and been exceptional. Lads are getting their opportunities and taking them but I can't be downhearted or annoyed with myself or anyone else, I just have to make sure I am here for the team, go out and put in a good performance.”
He continued: “It's (the new formation) nice, it's more reassuring now I have Trent behind me rather than in the right-back position. For me going into the team it is about making sure I have that effect.
“We have changed formation a little bit and we can see it is working. We have scored many goals and we have won games, which is the most important thing, so to be able to do that is great.
“I've not been in the team for a bit so it was new structure to get my head around bit it's easily done as you're training every day and getting it drilled into you every day. The new formation is working well.”
Elliott equalled his career-best total of 42 appearances in a season against Tottenham and has clearly benefited from his most prominent season for Liverpool yet. Of course, he has been aided by the rest of the Reds’ midfield options suffering with injuries and lack of form this season.
Yet the 20-year-old is part of Liverpool’s future. While criticism of Klopp’s midfield this season has been well-documented, and a revamp in the engine-room is set to take place this summer, Elliott is very much part of such plans.
With James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out of contract in the summer, and loanee Arthur Melo set to return to Juventus, Liverpool are expected to bring in two, if not three, new midfielders this summer. However, long-term target Jude Bellingham is unlikely to be one after the Reds pulled out of the race to sign the Borussia Dortmund man last month.
New senior signings could limit Elliott’s game-time next season, but he’s already relishing the prospect of fresh competition. And the England Under-21s international had a message for his future team-mates as Liverpool look to return to form next season.
“It's nice (when the club sign new players),” he insisted. “More competition drives you on to make sure you are the best, to work as hard as you possibly can in training and take your opportunity in games.
“Whoever comes in they will have unbelievable talent because it is a big club and it's always going to be hard but you need to reflect on the situation, stay level-headed and wait for your opportunity, which is what I'll be doing and I'll be working as hard as I possibly can to show the manager and coaching staff I can play.
“With the new lads coming in I want to help them out of they need me at any given time so it's nice for them to know they have people around them to look after them. It's more competition but it's good for everyone. Whatever happens happens and I'll make sure I work extra hard to prove myself.”
Meanwhile, Elliott also revealed the Liverpool dressing room reaction to Jurgen Klopp appearing to injure his hamstring when celebrating Diogo Jota’s winner against Tottenham.
“We're still waiting for the news on that [laughing]. Touch wood he is all okay,” he joked. “I think we all celebrated the goal in the same way so hopefully he hasn't done too much damage.
“He'll be in our prayers. It's just the emotion of the game, to throw away the lead and then score in the last 30 seconds is a wonderful feeling. Touch wood he is okay and can get the recovery he needs!”
GET INVOLVED: Did Klopp's touchline behaviour against Spurs go too far? Vote in our poll below
READ NEXT
Jurgen Klopp begs Liverpool fans to stop chant until after matches are won
Distraught Harry Kane makes honest admission immediately after Liverpool beat Tottenham
Jamie Carragher calls out Gary Neville over reaction to Liverpool celebrations against Tottenham
Graeme Souness in tears as Sky Sports announce he is leaving
