Jurgen Klopp discusses 'incredibly important' Harvey Elliott and his super-sub role

Jurgen Klopp has heaped praise on the "incredibly important" Harvey Elliott and insists that he has plenty of time to nail down a spot in the Liverpool first team. 

The 20-year-old has been a significant player for the Reds this season but has only started three Premier League games, featuring more prominently in the domestic cup competitions and the Europa League.

However, Harvey Elliott has played in all but four league matches this term, regularly coming off the bench and making a big impact for Liverpool.

One such example came last weekend against Burnley after Elliott was introduced for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold at half-time.

With the game tied, the midfielder set up two goals for the Reds in the second half with crosses into the box, helping Klopp's side to an important victory that kept them at the top of the Premier League table.

Elliott also produced a 90th-minute winner against Crystal Palace from the bench last December and set up Luis Diaz's stoppage-time equaliser against Luton Town the month before.

As a result, Elliott has been tagged as a super-sub for the Reds this campaign, but Klopp insists that he has plenty of time to achieve a regular starting spot in this Liverpool side.

Asked whether the youngster was knocking on his door and asking for more minutes in his pre-match press conference, Klopp replied: "Harvey is not doing that, but we have had talks. You forget how old he is.

"Young players go through different moments in early days of their career - flying, not flying, working hard - not him, but all young players in general.

"Harvey has been incredibly important and I'm sure he knows that. He probably wishes to have started every game, but when he has come on he is brilliant, when he has started it's not the same.

"But he's young - it's not like he'll be a super-sub for the rest of his career. Learn the game, use your skillset, there is a lot he is doing well and there is more he can do.

"He is a joy to work with. It is absolutely exceptional how he has trained this week."

Elliott may have expected more first-team football after Dominik Szoboszlai picked up another injury recently, but the former Fulham man is still an essential part of the Liverpool team.

With games coming thick and fast in the next few weeks and a Carabao Cup final on the horizon, Elliott will have plenty of chances to impress Klopp - either from the starting lineup or the bench.