Harvey Elliott to Sheffield United: Is it a good potential move? Would he start? What does he offer? | OneFootball

Sheffield United have recently been credited with interest in signing Liverpool winger Harvey Elliott, according to a report from The Sun (25th July 2021, page 62).

The winger spent the 2020/21 season on loan with Championship side Blackburn Rovers, and caught the eye with some strong performances for Tony Mowbray’s side.

Elliott chipped in with seven goals and 11 assists for the Lancashire-based side last term, as they finished 15th in the second-tier standings.

He also had an average Whoscored rating of 6.74 in the 2020/21 season with Blackburn, and his assists were the most by any player in Mowbray’s squad last term.

The 18-year-old has since returned to Anfield with Liverpool, but could be set for another move away from the Reds, with Sheffield United reportedly being keen on striking a deal to sign Elliott.

We take a look at some of the key questions that Sheffield United’s supporters might have ahead of a potential move for Elliott this summer.

Is it a good potential move?

This could be an excellent move for Elliott this summer.

If he was to move to Bramall Lane, then it would see Elliott link up with Slavisa Jokanovic once again, with the pair working together whilst with Fulham not so long ago.

If Jokanovic can offer Elliott regular minutes, then it’s likely his faith in the winger will be repaid relatively swiftly by the 18-year-old, who has already shown that he can perform to a more than good enough standard in the Championship.

Many would have thought that Elliott would be set for a Premier League loan move this summer, so it would be a real statement of intent by Sheffield United if they were to sign him on a temporary basis, as they look to win promotion back into the top-flight at the first time of asking.

Would he start?

Sheffield United already have some strong options available to them, and if Elliott was to arrive at Bramall Lane, then it would be interesting to see how the Blades line up in the 2021/22 campaign.

They were know for operating with a defensive three, which was solidified by having wing-backs either side of the defence. With three central midfielders in that team last term as well, some might struggle to see where Elliott would feature in the Sheffield United team.

But it’s the sort of deal that you have to trust Jokanovic’s judgement with, as he’s worked with the winger earlier in his career, whilst with Fulham.

The newly-appointed Blades boss will want to implement his own style and tactics on the team, and we could potentially see a formation change to fit players with the quality that Elliott has into the team moving forwards.

It seems hard to believe that Sheffield United would sign him and use him on a rotational basis, so he’d more than likely be a certain starter for the Blades this season.

Can you score full marks on this 22-question Sheffield United quiz?

1 of 22

What year were the club founded?

1879

1889

1899

1909

What does he offer?

Elliott offers real confidence in attacking areas, and easy to forget that he’s still only 18.

His loan spell with Blackburn Rovers was the first loan of his career, and he certainly made a good impression at Ewood Park, as he chipped in with seven goals and 11 assists during his time with the Championship side.

Elliott was also successful with 58.7% of the 121 dribbles he attempted for Blackburn last term, which backs up the claim that he’s more than confident on the ball.

With 117 progressive runs to his name from the 2020/21 season as well, he’s keen to run at opposition defenders, and put them on the back foot.

Elliott is also comfortable when in possession, which will be pleasing to see for Sheffield United, who are likely to have more of the ball this season, as they look to stamp their authority on matches.

The winger attempted 1507 passes in total last season for Blackburn Rovers, and with a pass success rate of 78%, it certainly makes for impressive reading. (Statistics sourced from Wyscout)