Liverpool will face one of their biggest challenge of the season this weekend when they take on Manchester City at Anfield, and manager Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that the outstanding display in the Champions League against Rangers this week will inspire confidence in his team going forward.
The Reds are currently experiencing their worst start to a Premier League season in a decade with just ten points tallied up out of a possible 24 over their eight outings so far, which has led them to fall into 11th place matching Everton and Brentford for points.
As a result, the Liverpool manager has been trying to shake up his team and reignite their form with several formation changes and rotations of players to find the solution, something that he finally nailed in the 7-1 victory at the Ibrox on Wednesday night.
One player who shone in the adapted system against the Scottish side this week was Harvey Elliott, scoring his first-ever Champions League goal during the clash.
The talented midfielder's future in the newly-formed formation, with just two midfielders playing in the starting line-up, was questioned by Ian Wright this week after the Arsenal legend questioned how the successful set-up can benefit Elliott:
“Where’s Harvey Elliott going to play in that midfield?” Wright asked on the Kelly and Wrighty show.
“He’s not going to be a Jordan Henderson who goes and fills in for Trent [Alexander-Arnold]; he’s a more creative midfielder.”
As a result, Klopp could now unleash the 21-year-old in a more advanced role on the wide right against Manchester City, a position he excelled in as he grew into the game against Rangers.
Elliott was outstanding over his 90-minute appearance taking 75 touches, making one key pass, two clearances and one tackle, with two shots on target, as well as winning five duels and of course, scoring the seventh goal for Liverpool.
The teenager's performance is proof of how much more beneficial it is to have the player in the right wide position to give him the freedom to create between the lines and pick up the ball from deep to build an attacking threat against opponents.
Whilst Mohammed Salah is proving how effective he can be in the striker role, it could be the perfect opportunity to give Elliott a shot on the right wing but just playing the midfielder on the right, in general, could be the key to improving the connection between the centre of the pitch and the forward line.
With that being said, Elliott could be Klopp's secret weapon in the Premier League this weekend and maybe the element of predictability that allows Liverpool to take their first victory since they beat Newcastle United back in August.