Arne Slot jokingly claimed he had to move Harvey Elliott into a more central role against Southampton as he got ‘bored’ on the wing.

The 21-year-old started on the right side of a front three in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Southampton, a result which ensured the Reds will be in Thursday’s semi-final draw, but drifted inside with more regularity as the game continued and lined up in midfield after the half-time interval.

It was from a more central area that Elliott netted Liverpool’s second goal of the game when he latched on to Cody Gakpo ’s pass, controled with his left foot and then, with his weaker right, powered the ball beyond Alex McCarthy.

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Speaking after the game, Slot revealed that he considers Elliott a better option in midfield than out wide. “Harvey already had a good impact in the game during the weekend against Fulham, so it was good to see that he’s able to play 90 and even score a goal,” the Dutchman said.

“I started him off on the right, I felt he almost got a bit bored, he didn’t touch the ball a lot, so we changed this after 15, 20 minutes to playing him in the midfield. We know he’s a better midfielder than he is a winger, but we had to do it like this. So that was pleasing to see.”

Elliott earned the player of the match award for his display on the south coast, which provided a timely reminder of his qualities. The former Fulham man missed around three months of the season due to a broken foot he suffered in September, an injury which prevented him starting a game under Slot prior to Wednesday night.

That’s despite him making 53 appearances under Jurgen Klopp last season - the second highest in the squad - and getting Elliott back playing regular football could be key for Liverpool in the second half of the game.

The boyhood red also thanked Slot ahead of the Southampton game, for showing patience and not rushing him back into the team.

“I wasn’t really quite there as much as I thought in my head that I was and the coaching staff and the manager could see that, and I think it was a mature decision to keep me part of it but not throw me in as quick as possible and I feel like it’s helped me now,” he explained.

“It’s built me up and I am hungrier than ever to get back out on the pitch and to help my team, to help the club, and I feel like now I am in a position where I feel 100 per cent again and now I’m just raring to go.”