Harvey Elliott Can Be the Perfect Post Halloween Treat | OneFootball

The Young Midfielder To Offer Something Different

In the past week or so, we have seen the young Liverpool starlet, Harvey Elliott, pictured returning to some form of training at the AXA Training Centre. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder sustained a fractured foot whilst with the England under-21 group earlier in the season, which scuppered his early season ambition to impress his new head coach. After a period of recovery and subsequent rehabilitation, his pathway in returning to first team action can now be set out by the reds medical department and coaching staff. Luckily, for Liverpool‘s new boss, Arne Slot, there has been no other significant injury to his midfield department since the loss of the former Fulham academy graduate. Only niggling complaints to the pair of Alexis Mac Allister, and Curtis Jones, have caused any real concern to the central assets, however, those two entities operate almost exclusively within the new midfield double pivot, something that does not suit the skillset of the lifelong Liverpool fan, Harvey Elliott.

So, the question remains, how does the former teenage prodigy fit in with this new landscape…

Which Position Is the Infectious Returnee Likely to Target…?

During the summer preseason tour of the US, the LFC fanbase was greeted with the initial transition from Jürgen Klopp, to Arne Slot. Though the characteristics of the three-man attack remains largely unchanged, it is the triangular trio of midfielders behind them which has been adjusted to offer more coordination, control, and support, to the lines ahead and behind them. During the wonderful era of the illustrious former German manager, there was always a holding midfielder flanked by two operating no.8’s. Under new leadership and with the new ideologies of the former Feyenoord manager, we are seeing a midfield double pivot which incorporates two hybrid entities, who can drift between the fundamentals of both the no.6 six and no.8 requirements. Though the 20-cap England under 21 international, Harvey Elliott, offers many enthusiastic qualities to his teammates, he does not possess the physicality or positional sense to occupy either of those two double pivot roles. That middle ground pairing must continue to be occupied by two assets from the following list, of which he will not become a part of any time soon.

Alexis Mac Allister

Ryan Gravenberch

Curtis Jones

Wataru Endō

Tyler Morton

Who Is the Direct Competition for A First Team Spot…?

Given this realisation, it will ultimately see the Liverpool no.19 pitted directly against his teammate and Hungarian skipper, Dominik Szoboszlai. So far this season, we have seen varying levels of both praise and criticism levelled at the former RB Leipzig superstar. When Liverpool signed the 6ft 1inch specimen in the summer of 2023, that £60m capture was lauded by the support due to his brilliant potential and devastating attributes. When arriving from the Bundesliga that summer, he did so with a track record of operating as an attacking asset from the left. What transpired in his first year Anfield was for the new signing to be converted into a box-to-box work horse, in an attempt to replicate the contributor that Jordan Henderson once was. During this ongoing 2024/25 campaign, the 23-year-old former FC Liefering academy graduate has operated predominately in the no.10 position, behind whichever central striker is operating. I have written in the recent past how Dom’s bespoke role is far removed from the usual perception considered with a no.10. Though this position is historically reserved for a creative and intricate playmaker, what we see in the 49-cap Hungary international is a more explosive individual that can press like a machine, whilst adding good interplay and on-ball moments of venom.

Photo: IMAGO

Given the major plus points of the current starting piece, Szobozlai, the return of his direct competition, Harvey Elliott, may enable more refinement and creation on the pitch. As a young player that is destined to represent his country at the senior level, the former Jürgen Klopp favourite will soon have an opportunity to stake a claim for a starting position. His ability to operate from the right wing is well known, however, Mohamed Salah will only step aside sparingly and when injured, therefore, the likelihood is that minutes must be targeted in a more central position.

It is very likely that in one of the upcoming midweek cup games, a chance will be delivered and based upon the energy and skill the 5ft 7inch dynamo would bring, it would only add another option to Arne Slot’s already impressive stable. Completion and the fight for starting jerseys are a real thing this season, which could bring the best out of both Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai.