Former PL striker tips Harvey Elliot to succeed in Thiago's absence - 'creative' Elliot needs to take his chance now

Liverpool's Harvey Elliot is set to get more game time in the absence of Thiago and the youngster is being urged to take his opportunity.

The Reds are currently dealing with a list of injuries that includes starting midfielder Thiago who is set to miss up to six weeks of action.

With manager Jurgen Klopp keen to find solutions to his midfield from inside his squad, rather than in the market, Elliot is being eyed up for an extended stay in the team.

In response to the news, former Premier League forward Kevin Campbell has called on whoever gets the nod for Liverpool against Crystal Palace on Monday should take the opportunity while they can - given the highly competitive nature of this Liverpool team.

Campbell's comments on Elliot

The former Everton striker Campbell claimed that Thiago's absence is an opportunity for players to come into the side and it's all about who can grasp the chance to impress in the first team - with Elliot in line to start.

“You would like to think the door has opened for him now,” he told Football Insider.

“All of the substitutes that came on at the weekend looked good for Liverpool. They all made a difference to the team at a difficult stage of the game. They helped Liverpool get a point.

“Any opportunity for Harvey Elliott to get in that side and do the business is great."

“The fact that Thiago is out gives other players a chance because he would most likely have been starting every Premier League match.

“Klopp may give Elliott a chance against Palace because he is creative like Thiago.

“There is other players there who will want a chance as well though. Whoever gets the opportunity will have to take it.”

New formation for Klopp?

It's likely Elliot will just slot into the midfield three on the right which is where he began the opening four games of the 2021/22 season.

However, the lack of central midfield options could force Klopp's hand and see him utilise a 4-2-3-1 formation with Elliot in the number 10 attacking midfield role.

It would reduce the stress on the current midfield roster, which has been strengthened by Naby Keita's return to training this week.

We could see Klopp move to this formation which could give Elliot and Fabio Carvalho experience in their natural position - however, for now, expect Elliot to get good game time in the midfield three.