Journalist: Liverpool Star ‘Not Fancied’ by Arne Slot but ‘Shoots Down’ Transfer Rumours | OneFootball

Analysing Arne Slot’s Tactical Choices at Liverpool: The Curious Case of Elliott and Quansah

In the constantly evolving landscape of football tactics, managers often make decisions that can confound fans and pundits alike. Arne Slot, Liverpool’s current manager, has stirred the pot with his underutilisation of Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah, two promising young talents who are facing uncertain times at Anfield. Based on insights from David Lynch, as discussed with Dave Davis on the Anfield Index podcast, we delve into the tactical reasoning behind these decisions and what they could mean for the players’ futures.

Slot’s Strategy: A Shift from Klopp’s Era

Under Jurgen Klopp, Harvey Elliott was often pivotal in games requiring the unlocking of tight defences. However, under Slot, his role has diminished significantly. David Lynch points out, “I think it’s fair to be worried and I think that it’s quite clear that he isn’t fancied.” This sentiment resonates with those who follow Liverpool’s intricate game plans and player development closely. It raises questions about Elliott’s fit in Slot’s tactical blueprint, especially given concerns about his physicality potentially leading to turnovers and counter-attacks.

Tactical Versatility or a Missed Opportunity?

For Jarell Quansah, the situation seems more aligned with tactical flexibility rather than outright exclusion. Slot’s decision to move Ryan Gravenberch back to centre-back in place of Ibrahima Konate, as Lynch explains, was a strategic move reflecting the game’s flow and the amount of ball possession by the centre-backs. “It made sense when Liverpool were being allowed to have the ball, to put Gravenberch there rather than Jarell Quansah,” Lynch notes. This shift contributed significantly to Liverpool’s dominance late in the game, suggesting that Slot’s decisions, while tough on individual players, are aimed at maximizing the team’s overall performance.

Photo: IMAGO

Future Prospects for Elliott and Quansah

Despite the current challenges, the future may still be bright for both Elliott and Quansah at Liverpool. The dynamic nature of football means that circumstances can change quickly, be it through form, injuries, or tactical shifts. Lynch’s investigation into the rumours surrounding Elliott’s future revealed a more stable picture than one might expect: “There’s rumours over his future but I’ve had those shot down when asking around but he’s definitely struggling for minutes and he is such a good player, it’s a shame.”

What Lies Ahead for Liverpool?

As Liverpool continues to adapt to Arne Slot’s methodologies, fans and analysts will be keen to see how young talents like Elliott and Quansah fit into the long-term vision. Will they adapt and overcome the challenges posed by Slot’s tactical preferences, or will they find their futures lie elsewhere? Only time will tell, but for now, it’s clear that Slot’s Liverpool is a different beast altogether, forging a new path that may not include all of the old guard.

In conclusion, while the immediate future may seem daunting for Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah under Arne Slot’s regime, the broader tactical context and the nature of football’s ever-changing dynamics suggest there could still be a turn of fortune for these young stars. Their development and utilization will be a subplot to watch as Slot’s tenure unfolds at Anfield.