Harvey Elliott admitted he may have to leave Liverpool for the good of his career after recording a goal and an assist in Monday's 3-2 defeat to Brighton.
For Liverpool's third game since clinching the Premier League title, Arne Slot shuffled his pack and left several big names, including Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold, on the bench.
Elliott was one of the players handed a rare chance to impress, alongside Federico Chiesa and Jarell Quansah, and he grasped his opportunity even in defeat.
He tapped home Liverpool's opener following great work from Conor Bradley, then provided the assist when Dominik Szoboszlai scored their second with a cross-shot that sailed over Bart Verbruggen and into the far corner.
However, Yasin Ayari, Kaoru Mitoma and Jack Hinshelwood scored as Brighton strengthened their grip on eighth place – and possible European qualification – with a huge win.
Speaking to Sky Sports after full-time, Elliott said: "You try not to get too carried away with the celebrations, we've worked really hard throughout the season.
"Some lads, like myself, haven't played as much throughout the season, and it's about going out and enjoying it.
"We want to win and enjoy it. We need to take the positives and take it into the final game next week."
Elliott made just his second Premier League start of the season on Monday, and he has only appeared 17 times in total in the competition this term.
That represents a major step back after Elliott made 32 league appearances in 2022-23 and 34 in 2023-24, and he has been linked with a move away from Anfield.
The 22-year-old believes that may have to happen for his development, adding: "It's been hard with how much I've played.
"I've tried as hard as I could and whatever happens, happens.
"It's about what's best for my career. It's about reflecting and seeing what I can do. I'm here at the moment and I'm focusing on the final game."
dabbilnosu
0
I think this is best time to move on you aren't improve at all
Cohabdensy
1
Elliot needs to go for his future.He is not Better than Mc Allister or Szoboslai who are both Rolls Royce of Footballers.And more talented players coming in this summer..Curtis Jones have to stay cos he is technical player we need and a local boy who is loyal unlike Trent the traitor.Am actually very glad Trent left.His defending was exposing us at the back.Tsimikas have to go.He haven’t proofed nothing last few years he was at Liverpool.We should Konate cos he is injury and mistake prone.Plus he wants to go for free to PSG.Don’t have it.Sell him to Saudis for £70-80m.Jota have to go cos he is injury prone and keep Chaos Nunez cos he put fear in opposition defenders like he did at PSG in Paris.Slot should have started him in the UCL home game with PSG..Slots biggest mistake instead gone for Jota who got bullied by PSG defenders in Paris and Anfield..
donid30
0
Elliot should be moved on. He has not grabbed his chances. He needs a lot of time at the gym plus many clips of shaqiri.
bamadiloty
1
Slot Slot Slot this guy must stay
foabdeprty
0
The mad needs game time to develop, Slot was brought in for this purpose but I fear this guy has not a clue on how to develop players from the academy. He hasn’t shown that he trust any of them kids and is looking at the transfer window to solve all issues we have. We will lose a lot of these kids cuz slot will rather bring in his country men.
so wt is your point
TariqueHaye17
0
The mad needs game time to develop, Slot was brought in for this purpose but I fear this guy has not a clue on how to develop players from the academy. He hasn’t shown that he trust any of them kids and is looking at the transfer window to solve all issues we have. We will lose a lot of these kids cuz slot will rather bring in his country men.
blah blah so how is Rio playing then etc ? relax elliot is not a child he will not fit in slots system
TariqueHaye17
0
He is next alonso… if Liverpool sell him.. they’re most regret…give him chance…give him time he can prove…
oh please, he's not gonna fit in slot's system, losing his duels etc
yutacilrst
1
don't be an ediot
Hedcdmnuy
1
He is next alonso… if Liverpool sell him.. they’re most regret…give him chance…give him time he can prove…
akpchoichinho001
1
go back to fulham and pick up your career
AFerXqsJ4187
0
The mad needs game time to develop, Slot was brought in for this purpose but I fear this guy has not a clue on how to develop players from the academy. He hasn’t shown that he trust any of them kids and is looking at the transfer window to solve all issues we have. We will lose a lot of these kids cuz slot will rather bring in his country men.