‘I’m not so sure’: Ally McCoist says 19-year-old just isn’t good enough to start for Liverpool

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Pundit Ally McCoist has questioned whether Liverpool starlet Harvey Elliott is just yet good enough to start in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield.

That’s what the former Rangers manager said on talkSPORT, where he implored the need for the Reds to add to their options in the middle of the park.

“I think Liverpool should’ve broken the bank and got that deal done earlier. I really do,” he said.

“How long have you and I been speaking about Liverpool’s midfield needing [reinforcements]?

“I know he’s not had a good time over in Paris, but they’ve actually missed [Gini] Wijnaldum as well, to be brutally honest with you.

“You look at that side, I don’t know. I like Harvey Elliott as a player, absolutely 100%, I think he’s a good player.

“Is he strong enough right now to be in that Liverpool midfield, I’m not so sure.”

Ally McCoist suggests Harvey Elliott isn’t good enough right now

Elliott has been thrown into a much more important role for the Reds this season, with the side’s lack of options evident in midfield.

Impressively as a 19-year-old, he has made 13 Premier League appearances this term, also having played in all six Champions League group games.

However, at times this year, the youngster has looked slightly out of his depth when facing overly physical midfield oppositions.

With all the technical ability in the world, Elliott’s skill on the ball cannot be questioned.

Instead, his lack of strength and size is often the talking point amongst critics.

Going forward, the former Fulham academy talent is gifted at dribbling between defenders and picking out space to exploit in behind the back-line.

On the other hand, when analysing his game from a defensive standpoint, he is just not yet at the size needed to dominate play in the middle of the park.

In years to come, this will not be a worry. He will start putting on weight and size, and he will become more accustomed to the physical style of football. However, at the moment, Elliott needs more rest than other senior players.

With the lack of options in Klopp’s squad, this may actually harm the 19-year-old’s development – rather than it do any good. If they’re not too careful, the youngster could become burnt out.

Therefore, multiple midfielders need to be prioritised in January in order to allow the likes of Elliott the rotation they so desperately need.