Liverpool analysis - Takumi Minamino misses opportunity as midfield mockery becomes clear

Jurgen Klopp could not hide his excitement after Harvey Elliott returned to first team training last month.

Sidelined since September with a dislocated ankle, the 18-year-old was welcomed back with a trademark bear hug, with both the German and assistant manager Pep Lijnders admitting to the press in recent weeks that there had been a serious temptation to throw the midfielder straight back into action, such was the impression he made at the AXA Training Centre.

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Yet they wisely resisted, not taking for granted the severity of injury and the length of time the former Fulham man has spent on the sidelines this season following that setback suffered against Leeds United at Elland Road.

Deciding to wait until after the winter international break to unleash the midfielder, Elliott’s return had been five months in the making with the midfielder itching at the bit to make up for lost time.

Introduced just shy of the hour-mark, Cardiff City didn’t know what hit them on Sunday. They never stood a