Liverpool daily briefing: How Harvey Elliott has taken a big step forward this season
The Reds midfielder is enjoying a fine campaign, and will be a big player for Jürgen Klopp going forward
As the final whistle sounded at Anfield on Saturday, one Liverpool player had reason to feel just a little frustrated.
Had referee Craig Pawson waited just a little longer, Harvey Elliott would have been bearing down on goal at the Kop End, ready to add further embroidery to a fixture which means so much to him.
The 20-year-old, understandably, looked skywards when Pawson called time on the 243rd Merseyside derby, but his annoyance didn’t last long. As always, he was one of the last to leave the field, having celebrated the Reds’ victory the way a lifelong fan should.
Elliott may not have got his goal, but he certainly played his part as Jürgen Klopp’s side once again asserted authority over their nearest and dearest neighbours.
Brought on just after the hour mark, with the game deadlocked, he immediately added impetus and energy to proceedings. He completed all 31 of his attempted passes (more than any Everton player) won possession back in the final third three times (more than any player, full stop) and had it not been for a fingertip save from Jordan Pickford, he would have decorated his performance with a stunning 25-yard goal.
He’s having a good season, is Elliott. Much has been said (and written) about Liverpool’s midfield overhaul, but while the new boys - Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch in particular - have grabbed the attention, the form of the England U21 international has been just as encouraging. If this really is Liverpool 2.0, then Elliott looks certain to be a part of it.
His ability to come and influence games from the bench has been seen all season. From the opening-weekend draw at Chelsea, to the confidence-boosting wins at Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, through to Saturday, Elliott has repeatedly shown his intelligence and quality when called upon.
And while his sole Premier League start, against Brighton & Hove Albion prior to the international, may have seen him substituted at half-time, he still managed to play a part in Liverpool’s recovery from 1-0 down to 2-1 up before being replaced by Gravenberch. His dummy for Mo Salah’s opener that day should not be overlooked.
His smartness is what has stood out to me. He looks like a player who watches the game from the sidelines, who listens to instructions and who knows what is required in every situation. Whether it is an injection of tempo or calmness, pressing or passing, he seems to bring what’s required. He’s a different player, for sure, but there are shades of both Adam Lallana and James Milner in the way he goes about his business off the bench.
He’s a natural connector, especially on the right-hand side, and that enables him to get the likes of Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the ball and into space. Almost half of Elliott’s passes on Saturday were played to those two. He and Salah, in particular, have developed a good bond.
What is also noticeable about Elliott this season is the physical improvements he has made. He has always been a clean technician, with a lovely first touch and the ability to rap passes into feet or drift crosses towards the back post, but he looks like he has added speed and strength to his play.
He protects the ball better, travels with it more, and recovers it with greater intensity. Per 90 minutes, he is winning possession back in the final third more often than any other Liverpool player, and his ‘dribbled past by opponent’ number (0.94 per 90) is better than any of Klopp’s other midfielders.
Clearly, his confidence is high. He starred for England U21s during the recent international break, wearing the captain’s armband and contributing two goals and two assists in their Euro qualifiers. For club and country, he is making strides.
It is easy, sometimes, to forget that this is a very young footballer. Elliott does not turn 21 until April, and yet he is already hurtling towards 100 Liverpool appearances. Had it not been for the broken leg suffered at Leeds United a couple of years ago, he’d already be there.
It is easy, too, to forget that this is a very young footballer who is still learning the position. Elliott’s grounding at Fulham was as a forward, a winger or a No.10, but at Liverpool he has been converted into a No.8, a midfielder expected to contribute to a high level, with and without the ball.
He knows, of course, that he will have to maintain, and indeed improve, those levels if he is to remain a consistent fixture in Klopp’s side. The arrivals of Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Gravenberch, the development of Curtis Jones and the emergence of Stefan Bajčetić, have upped the stakes in Liverpool’s midfield. Wataru Endo awaits opportunities, Thiago Alcântara awaits the green light from the medical team, while rumours of a January move for Fluminense star André, or another specialist No.6, persist. I wouldn’t overlook youngsters such as Bobby Clark and James McConnell, either, if they can continue their encouraging progress.
For Elliott, though, the opening weeks of the campaign offer a blueprint for the future. Work hard, be humble, pay attention and take your chances.
They call him “the diamond” at Kirkby, and he’s been sparkling so far this season.
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You’re right we forget he’s only 20. I really like his attitude on and off the field. Always interact with the fans and very articulate on media duties. He was outstanding in both matches for England U21. He seems to be close with Mo, and the two connect well.
I hope we sign Andre in the same way we signed the four new players. It is straight forward transfer and no drama like Caiceido and Lavia. I Heard Arsenal is trying to hijack the transfer. 🤷🏽♂️
Neil thanks for this - good article - we seem to have a group of players that are progressing at different 'development' speeds but still work well as a collective - Klopp magic!