Harvey Elliott's performances has shown his importance to Liverpool's future

Another day, another step closer to the Jurgen Klopp era ending at Liverpool. With two games left to play, the final one being at Anfield, there's definitely a somber mood radiating amongst the fan base, especially given the club's struggles in recent weeks.

However, especially from the glass half-full perspective, there are plenty of reasons to deem this season a positive step forward.

Among these is Harvey Elliott, who has only gone from strength to strength since breaking into the Liverpool first team a few seasons ago.

The 21-year old has been a fixture in the Liverpool side this season, and has provided a positive impact both as a starter or off the bench, with his most recent contribution being an absolute stunner in Liverpool's 4-2 win over Spurs last Sunday.

If you were to stack him up to some of the league's best midfielders though, Elliott comes off as a bit of an underrated gem.

This is somewhat the case within Liverpool as well, as there are few who would have him in the club's best eleven.

Over the last few games though, Elliott has been at the heart of Liverpool's best performances against both Fulham and Spurs, making the case that he should be one of the first names in the team sheet under Arne Slot next season.

Elliott's combination of energy, effort, directness, and intelligence make him such a unique player for the Reds.

No matter what position you would deploy him at, there's always the guarantee that he'll be giving you his all. In what's going to be a season of transition next year, many will also look to Elliott as a calming influence, due to his lengthy time with the squad, despite only being 21 years old.

The ongoing debate with Elliott throughout the duration of this season, is whether or not he is most effective as a starter or coming off the bench. Earlier in the season, it definitely was more of the latter, as the 21-year old has helped salvage many a positive result for the Reds.

However, it is definitely telling that Elliott has 11 goals and assists combined in his last 10 starts indicating that the versatile youngster can begin games just as well as he could finish them.

There's certainly the argument that the Reds' abundance of talent in midfield is a reason for Elliott's lack of consistent game time.

The likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, and Ryan Gravenberch have all thrown their hat in the midfield sweepstakes, but you wouldn't be remiss in pointing out that only Mac Allister and Endo have been more reliable than the 21-year old.

Overall though, Elliott presents himself as a legitimate option for Arne Slot. Where he will be utilized remains to be seen, as the Dutchman prefers to utilize a 4-2-3-1 over Klopp's usual 4-3-3.

Perhaps Elliott can thrive as the attacking midfielder or right sided midfielder in the system? It's definitely something to keep an eye out for. One thing's for certain though, we have one of the bright young studs in the league in our squad, and he'll be a key cog in the Liverpool sides of years to come.