‘He can play up-front’: Klopp hints he might just have a new striker option at Liverpool this season

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Jurgen Klopp has hinted that Harvey Elliott could be used as a striker for Liverpool this season, in his comments to the Daily Mirror.

New number nine?

Elliott has enjoyed a wonderful pre-season at Liverpool and his performance against Athletic Bilbao yesterday really caught the eye.

Elliott was deployed as an advanced playmaker in the contest, where he was able to operate in small pockets.

He almost scored in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw, with one effort crashing against the cross-bar.

And it may be that shooting ability which has put Elliott in the frame to feature as a striker for the Reds this season.

“He can play [centre mid]. He can play up front, the right wing,” Klopp said.

“He smashed the bar. He is different, he can play a few positions, no doubt about it.

“We wanted to try him in midfield in pre-season to get him more involved. He made big steps.”

Sticking at Anfield

In truth Elliott surely has more chance of featuring in both midfield or as a winger than as a number nine for Liverpool.

But his versatility should come in very handy as the season progresses.

There is a real sense that this could be the teenager’s breakthrough year at Anfield now.

Elliott has impressed out on loan, where his performances caught the eye.

And it seems likely that he will be kept around on Merseyside this time around.