Liverpool's transfer strategy has come under scrutiny from ex-Arsenal man Perry Groves - with the pundit arguing that the "exciting" Harvey Elliott is not the answer to their creativity conundrum.
The Reds midfield has been significantly weakened this summer following the departure of Gini Wijnaldum to Paris Saint-Germain.
Boss Jurgen Klopp has bemoaned the loss of the Dutch midfielder on numerous occasions over the summer.
Despite that, Liverpool are yet to make a move to replace their former ace.
Young midfielder Harvey Elliott has been tipped as a potential candidate to fill Wijnaldum's boots after starring on his first Reds start in Saturday's 2-0 win over Burnley.
But speaking on talkSPORT, Groves isn't convinced that the teenager is the answer to Liverpool's need for extra creativity.
"He [Klopp] trusted him [Elliott] yesterday because he played him in the midfield three," said Groves.
"He went last year to Blackburn Rovers, and I've always said that young players should go and learn their trade rather than being in and out the first team in the Premier League and the cups.
"He played 41 games for Blackburn in the Championship last year and scored seven goals. So basically, he's toughened himself up and played what I call 'big boys football'.
"But then can you handle yourself with better players and step up? I only saw the highlights yesterday, but I looked at his body language and he looked like he believed that he should be in that sort of company.
"We mentioned the goal for Mane, that's a young player, who as the ball comes across him, you can tell he's very relaxed. Even his chest control, it's very relaxed and soft.
"Harvey Elliott isn't the answer. He'll be in and out, he'll get his game time. I still think Liverpool need a creative midfield player, like a number 10, because they're going to come up against teams who will sit back at Anfield.
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"He's a massive bonus for them and an addition for their squad, but Harvey Elliott isn't the answer to Liverpool's problems - he's just a very, very exciting young player."
Elliott didn't look out of place after stepping up from a spell in the Championship last term, with the teenage ace looking a constant menace to the visiting Clarets.
The fleet-footed midfielder linked up neatly with the Reds front three and nearly had an assist after teeing up Mohamed Salah for a cool finish - only for the Egyptian star to have strayed offside.
Regardless of if Elliott is viewed as someone who can nail down a starting berth at Anfield this term or not, the 18-year-old has certainly impressed his manager.
It was reported that Elliott had made a big impression on the German boss during the Reds pre-season training camp to Austria.
And Klopp was full of praise for the youngster after his performance against Burnley.
"He's good eh? He's a wonderful talent," Klopp told BBC Sport. "I have known him for three years - he has always been a sensational talent but he made big steps last season on loan - really calm, really smart - he can play 3/4 different positions."
