Jurgen Klopp issues Liverpool 'regret' over not utilising 21-year-old star

Jurgen Klopp has named the one Liverpool player he regrets not using more frequently this season. 

The 56-year-old is leaving Liverpool this summer after just under nine years on Merseyside, departing with an impressive trophy cabinet and legendary status.

There is a level of excitement and trepidation among the club's fanbase over the imminent arrival of Feyenoord boss Arne Slot as Klopp's successor, with the German a tough act to follow.

But for now, Liverpool fans are looking forward to embracing Klopp's final two games in charge, the first of which comes this Monday against Aston Villa.

Klopp was in good spirits as he spoke to the media on Friday before the match, but he has opened up on one of his Liverpool regrets.

JURGEN KLOPP'S HARVEY ELLIOTT REGRET

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Klopp was asked about the incredible displays put in by Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliott last weekend, with the latter assisting and scoring an excellent goal as the Reds ran out 4-2 winners against Tottenham.

Klopp responded: "A great game for both [Elliott and Gakpo]. It’s not like this where I go back and think what did I do wrong here or there, but if I regret one thing it’s that Harvey didn’t play often enough maybe [this season].

“It was a very important and intense period. In January, a lot of injuries, he played really good, probably our best player, right wing, midfield, but everybody came back, minutes here, minutes there and he didn’t start anymore."

Elliott has been in impressive form this season and was a surprise omission from the Premier League's Young Player of the Year nominations, with Klopp also being asked about the midfielder's Euro 2024 prospects with England.

"If it helps Harvey, whatever I say, then I would say," said Klopp. "But then you start a discussion in public and people say, 'What does he want to do at the Euros?'

"All of a sudden he [Elliott] feels bad when he's done nothing wrong, but people will find a reason, 'Why should Harvey Elliott be there?' Maybe he reads it and feels bad.

"He's in a great moment. If somebody wants to pick him then he has everything you need, he can pack a big in an instant, it's not a problem. But I will not be part of that discussion."

Elliott has produced four goals and nine assists this season and will be an important player for the Reds moving forward, with the youngster having gained invaluable experience already under Klopp.