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."