‘Special’ Harvey Elliott can transform Liverpool on return from injury

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Harvey Elliott is back training with the Liverpool first-team after a long injury layoff. He could help transform the Reds.

Harvey Elliott hasn’t played a competitive football match since September 12th. Injury against Leeds United required surgery, of course, keeping the teenager out of action. It’s a huge shame, too, as it appeared Elliott was to play a key role with Liverpool this season.

He’d appeared consistently the begin the campaign, starting three consecutive Premier League fixtures before the injury. It was a massive show of faith in Elliott – here was an 18-year-old already holding his own at one of the world’s biggest clubs.

It’s been a long wait but Elliott is now back training with the first team. It suggests his return is imminent – and Liverpool could use him. The teenager could help transform this team.

Harvey Elliott nears Liverpool return

Midfield injuries haven’t been kind to Liverpool. Thiago is out again after missing the very start of the campaign, while Curtis Jones didn’t play for a long, long time after an eye injury. We’ve seen Naby Keita both injured and absent at AFCON – even James Milner has had issues.

And that’s all been problematic. Liverpool have changed their system slightly this season to bring more creativity from midfield. However, it’s coincided with their most creative midfielders all suffering injuries.

We’re seeing Jurgen Klopp ask the wider two in his midfield three to not only push forward but drift wider. There’s a lot more freedom there, with players able to roam more often and without the positional restrictions of previous years.

It’s most obvious on the right, with Mohamed Salah playing far wider this season. Trent Alexander-Arnold is also playing more narrow, with the midfielder on that side switching with both as part of a trio.

Liverpool’s triple-threat

Now, that role was perfect for Elliott – something that’s been clear since the summer. And when we saw the Alexander-Arnold, Elliott, Salah trio for the first time in the Premier League, they shone very brightly.

It’s easy to see why. All three players suit this system wonderfully, capable both centrally and wide – it makes them very difficult to cover. Add in their natural creativity and Liverpool look very dangerous.

Elliott’s return can see Liverpool return to their plan, then. This is the combination Klopp wanted from the get-go and, finally, he’ll get it back.

The data shows just how important Elliott was to Liverpool, with Jordan Henderson labelling him ‘special’ after a couple of games. Both Alexander-Arnold and Salah have been world-class this season, of course, but we think they could actually improve with the teenager back.

Liverpool have played without their ideal trio on that flank for months now. Having Elliott back could truly have a transformative effect and push the Reds to another level creatively.