In the dynamic realm of football, where every match is a fierce contest, success often hinges on a team’s ability to uncover hidden talents—players whose brilliance shines brightly yet remains largely unnoticed by the wider audience.
Liverpool’s Secret Weapon
Liverpool have gained the most points from losing positions in the Premier League this season with a staggering 18 (seven more than the next-highest in Brighton), and have netted the most goals in the final 15 minutes of matches in the division.
As the Premier League season reaches its climax, all eyes are on Liverpool as they strive to clinch the title. A recent setback against Crystal Palace has cast doubt on their aspirations, but amidst the focus on new signings like Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo, another player has quietly emerged as Liverpool’s secret weapon for the challenging battles ahead—Harvey Elliott.
With this weekend’s crucial fixture against Fulham looming, Jurgen Klopp faces the decision of deploying the 21-year-old attacking midfielder. Signed from Fulham in 2019, Elliott has swiftly adapted to the demands of playing for a top club like Liverpool. Despite his youth, he has impressed fans and scouts alike with his composure under pressure and his ability to perform consistently in high-stakes situations. With 28 appearances and 18 starts in the Premier League this season alone, Elliott has contributed two goals and two assists, showcasing his growing influence on the pitch.
Elliott’s frequent appearances as a substitute—12 in total, the highest in the Premier League—raise questions about his role in the team. Is this merely a coincidence? His statistics suggest otherwise. Averaging more progressive passes, scoring contributions, higher passing accuracy, and progressive carry distance while also minimizing turnovers compared to last season, Elliott has matured into a highly effective asset in possession. His penchant for attempting killer passes while retaining possession sets him apart as a game-changer.
Addressing the idea of traditional “starters” and “best XIs,” Klopp has emphasized the evolving nature of football into a squad game. While Elliott’s impact off the bench has been undeniable, there’s a debate about whether he should be a regular starter. Despite Liverpool’s success, there’s always room for improvement, and Elliott’s versatility and impact suggest that he could thrive in either role.
In a season fraught with injuries and setbacks, Elliott’s importance to Liverpool’s success cannot be overstated. Despite a dramatic rise in the face of an ankle injury, he has proven himself to be a reliable asset in midfield, driving the team forward with his tenacity and creativity.
For over an hour, Jurgen Klopp‘s side struggled to gather meaningful possession and sustain pressure against the Crystal Palace back line; creativity was scarce for the majority of the afternoon. His winning goal against Crystal Palace last season underscores his ability to make decisive contributions when it matters most.
Build a statue for Harvey Elliott
What sets Elliott apart as Liverpool’s secret weapon is his relentless work ethic and dedication to improving the team’s performance. Whether breaking up play in midfield, driving the attack, or creating chances for his teammates, Elliott consistently demonstrates his value on the pitch. His performance against Luton showcased his ability to rise to the occasion, embodying the desire and determination that Liverpool fans expect from their players.
As Liverpool prepares for upcoming matches, Elliott’s finesse and robust gameplay will be essential. His ability to change the course of a game with his skill and vision makes him a formidable asset. Against Crystal Palace, his impactful cameo appearance demonstrated his effectiveness, providing a 100 percent pass accuracy, crucial recoveries, and a sensational goal.
Similar scenes were witnessed in Liverpool’s win against Wolves earlier in the season, where Elliott’s introduction alongside other dynamic players shifted the momentum in Liverpool’s favor. Despite limited minutes, Elliott has registered impressive goal contributions for both Liverpool and England U21 this season, showcasing his growing efficiency and maturity.
Harvey Elliott moralized as Super Sub?
Elliott’s numbers aren’t too bad three years on from his Championship experience, averaging a goal or assist every 99 minutes in the Premier League this season.
“It’s a great headline, but at the same time, I want to be in the team,” he told reporters.
“It’s time for myself to establish myself in that position again and hopefully get a good run of games but, at the same time, I need to be patient as well and maybe be the super-sub as well.”
Klopp, however, spoke earlier in December about the necessity to get away from the idea of teams having ‘starters’ and ‘best XIs’, as football continues to evolve into much more of a squad game.
Is there a need to fix something that isn’t broken?
Everything indicates Elliott being considerably more effective off the bench than as a starter, though opportunities for starts will hardly be few and far between given the Reds’ charge on three cup fronts this season.
The super sub concept does not apply anymore. Football has evolved. You need to have a squad rotate and use the players in order to inject freshness into the team. If your substitutions can change the game that means you have very good players at your disposal.
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