Liverpool manager’s comments hint at possible exit for midfielder | OneFootball

Harvey Elliott’s Liverpool Future in Doubt as Slot Prioritises Speed

Harvey Elliott’s lack of game time under Arne Slot has raised questions about his long-term future at Liverpool. After finishing last season in Jurgen Klopp’s preferred XI, many expected the 21-year-old to build on that momentum under the new manager.

Instead, Elliott has struggled for minutes, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones ahead of him in the midfield pecking order. A foot injury sustained on international duty further disrupted his season, sidelining him for two months. Since returning, he has played just 76 minutes in the Premier League across 10 substitute appearances.

Photo IMAGO

While Elliott remains under contract until 2027 and has publicly stated that he has no intention of leaving, recent reports from Sky Sports Premier League suggest that Brighton and Borussia Dortmund are monitoring his situation. And now, Slot’s latest comments may have provided an insight into why Elliott is not featuring prominently in his plans.

Slot’s Preferences Hint at Elliott’s Struggles

In an interview with Sky Sports, Slot outlined the three key attributes he values in a player—speed, work rate, and quality on the ball. While Elliott excels in technical ability and decision-making, he lacks the pace that Slot appears to prioritise.

Slot also emphasised the importance of quick reactions, agility, and decision-making, adding:

This preference does not bode well for Elliott, who has never been the fastest player in the squad.

Elliott’s Pace a Cause for Concern

Sky Sports previously released speed data for the Premier League on October 4, ranking Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven as the league’s fastest player at 37.12 kilometres per hour.

Liverpool’s quickest players were Trent Alexander-Arnold (34.74 kph) and Virgil van Dijk (33.97 kph), while Elliott was ranked 20th in the squad with a top speed of just 26.98 kph.

Photo: IMAGO

More notably, he was slower than goalkeeper Alisson Becker, only ranking ahead of Joe Gomez and Caoimhin Kelleher. Across the entire Premier League, he was 390th in terms of top speed.

That statistic alone highlights one of the key issues with Elliott’s game—his lack of raw pace. While his technical ability has never been in doubt, his physical attributes may not align with Slot’s high-intensity system.

What Next for Elliott?

With Elliott struggling for minutes in midfield, there had been suggestions that he could be deployed as a right-wing alternative to Mohamed Salah. However, Liverpool’s summer signing of Federico Chiesa has blocked that route, further limiting his opportunities.

Photo: IMAGO

Despite his talent, Elliott’s current role at Liverpool is unclear. The club remains committed to developing young talent, but with competition for places intensifying, the upcoming summer transfer window could be pivotal in deciding his future.

Should Liverpool look to bring in another dynamic midfielder, Elliott may find himself surplus to requirements—a scenario that seemed unlikely just 12 months ago.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Elliott is a talented player with a genuine passion for the club, and seeing him fall out of favour is frustrating.

At just 21 years old, he still has time to develop, but it’s hard to ignore the lack of faith Slot appears to have in him. If his style doesn’t match what the manager wants, he could end up following the likes of Sepp van den Berg and Neco Williams in seeking first-team football elsewhere.

The bigger frustration is that Elliott was one of Liverpool’s bright sparks last season. He showed technical quality, vision, and intelligence on the ball. His performance in high-profile games proved that he could handle the intensity of elite football.

However, modern football demands pace and explosiveness, especially in a Liverpool system built on high pressing and quick transitions. If Slot is shaping the squad in his image, it’s possible that Elliott simply doesn’t fit the blueprint.

If he does leave, it won’t be due to a lack of ability—it will be because of tactical preferences. Fans will hope he gets another chance, but if he does depart, there will be a sense of what could have been.