Liverpool’s Rising Star: Super Sub or Key Starter? | OneFootball

Harvey Elliott: A Rising Star Best Suited as Liverpool’s Super Sub?

In typical Jurgen fashion, it was a praising comment. It shouldn’t have been unexpected in his second to last pAs Liverpool’s 2024 campaign unfolds, Jurgen Klopp’s recent remarks about Harvey Elliott have sparked a blend of speculation and praise across the football community. While Klopp expressed some regret about not deploying Elliott more frequently, a deeper look into Elliott’s performance this season suggests that his role as a super sub may indeed be where he’s thrived best. It might not be the story next season, but revisionism isn’t needed either.

Photo: IMAGO

Klopp’s Reflections on Elliott’s Play Time

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s charismatic manager, has been vocal about his management decisions, particularly concerning young talent like Harvey Elliott. In a statement on Elliott’s performance, Klopp noted, “A great game [from] both [against Tottenham]. It’s not like this that I go back and think, ‘OK, what did we all do wrong here and there?’ But if I regret one thing a little bit, it’s that Harvey didn’t play often enough, maybe. It was in a very important and intense period.” This statement from Klopp opens up a discussion about player development and match impact, suggesting that Elliott might have deserved more minutes on the pitch. However, the statistics paint a slightly different picture of Elliott’s optimal role in the team.

Performance Breakdown: Elliott’s Impact as a Substitute

In the 2024 season, Elliott has undoubtedly been a significant figure in Liverpool’s strategy, accumulating 8 assists in all competitions, an impressive feat that places him third in the rankings, just behind heavyweights Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri. His contributions extend beyond mere numbers; his strategic plays and the ability to change the course of the game when coming off the bench have been vital for Liverpool. Despite Klopp’s reflective comments, when Elliott started, the performances have generally not been as impactful, except the standout match against Tottenham. Here, Elliott’s performance hinted at the potential Klopp sees in him. This sparks an intriguing consideration: Is Elliott more effective as a game-changer coming off the bench than as part of the starting XI?

Stats Speak: Elliott’s Season in Numbers

Elliott’s statistics this season are telling. He stands out in the Premier League and across Europe’s top five leagues among players under 21. He ranks second in successful passes into the opposition’s box, averaging 2.44 per 90 minutes, just below Florian Wirtz’s 2.91. Furthermore, Elliott is also a leader in winning possession in the final third, showcasing his all-around game and tactical awareness. Moreover, Elliott’s goal involvement ratio is notable, with 11 goal contributions in his last 10 starts. This statistic reflects his ability to influence the game significantly, supporting the argument that while his starts may be infrequent, his effectiveness during these occasions is evident.

Optimal Utilisation of Talent

While Klopp’s lament about not playing Elliott more often is understandable, it also highlights the nuanced decision-making process in football management. Elliott’s role as a super sub has allowed him to make critical contributions in key moments, potentially making him more valuable in this dynamic capacity rather than as a regular starter. Managing talents like Elliott will be crucial as Liverpool continues to navigate the intense landscape of the Premier League and European competitions. Klopp’s insights, combined with Elliott’s statistical backing, suggest that while the young star may crave more starts, his current utilisation might just be what keeps Liverpool’s engine running at its peak. It could be different for the next campaign, but Klopp’s statement doesn’t change this.