During the Merseyside derby triumph over Everton, the Liverpool midfielder attracted attention.
Despite all of the turmoil that Liverpool went through in the summer transfer window, they have started the 2023–24 campaign in a very positive manner
In all tournaments, twelve games have been played thus far. With nine wins, two draws, and a single, highly contentious 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur—Jurgen Klopp’s team finished with nine men and only losing late in the game—the Reds’ record is impressive.
In all tournaments, twelve games have been played thus far. With nine wins, two draws, and a single, highly contentious 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur—Jurgen Klopp’s team finished with nine men and only losing late in the game—the Reds’ record is impressive.
In fact, Liverpool seem revitalized even with the departure of six experienced players and the arrival of four. Although the campaign may still be in its early stages, Klopp may already have a solid notion of his ideal starting lineup when everyone is healthy. With Alexis Mac Allister currently occupying the number-six position, it’s possible that this is the only position where it’s still unclear who is the top pick. This thus raises the question of who, among the Argentine, Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch, performs better in the left-hand number-eight position.
On the right, Dominik Szobosbzlai has the position down pat. The £60 million acquisition from RB Leipzig has had an incredible effect. Furthermore, Mo Salah’s numbers are not going away on the right side of the attack. In just 11 games, he has already tallied eight goals and four assists.
Harvey Elliott is consequently put in a challenging situation. His best two roles have been taken by Szoboszlai and Salah, respectively. This mostly limits the little 20-year-old to replacement events in 2023–2024. Only one of his ten appearances in the Premier League have come from the start, but four of them have come from the start. That resulted in his withdrawal at halftime in the 2-2 draw at Brighton.
Elliott might find it difficult to get starts in the top tier this season. Actually, he might be called a “super sub,” which in football parlance is a bit of a backhanded praise. But on this Liverpool team, it ought to be a kind of honorific. Given the strength of the Reds’ front line, a specialist who can provide the needed something extra off the bench is a highly sought-after asset if they are unable to break down opposition.
Elliott’s and Darwin Nunez’s introductions during last Saturday’s Merseyside derby provided Liverpool with the much-needed boost. After Ashley Young was sent off eight minutes before halftime, Everton changed to a low block with five defenders, and the Reds lacked any creativity to penetrate this defense. After the England under-21 captain was added in the 62nd minute, that was altered.
Elliott’s ability to gather the ball in confined situations and use deft control helped create space for the unwavering Blues rearguard. It was no accident that Liverpool scored the first goal 13 minutes after Elliott’s debut, with legendary Klop player Jamie Carragher praising Elliott’s performance. On Twitter, the Sky Sports analyst exclaimed, “Nunez & Elliott brilliant from the bench!” Elliott only lost possession once, finishing all 31 of his passes.
Long term, the former Fulham player wants to return to his boyhood club and take a regular starting position. He’s still a few years away from reaching his prime. He’s just twenty. He could end up being Liverpool’s best player this season.
