In Jurgen Klopp’s final season at Liverpool, Harvey Elliott had what was arguably his most successful campaign in the club’s red shirt. The 21-year-old midfielder made a notable impact by playing in 53 matches across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing 11 assists. This season highlighted Elliott’s growing significance to the team, as he was a regular fixture in Klopp’s squad, either starting or coming off the bench, and often played in a central midfield trio. His effectiveness was particularly evident on the right side of this setup, where he displayed improved sharpness, fitness, and technical ability, ending the season in strong form.
However, with the new manager Arne Slot now in charge, Elliott has shared his views on where he believes his skills can be best utilized. Despite having proven his capabilities in a deeper midfield role, Elliott has expressed a preference for playing further forward, specifically as an attacking midfielder. He feels this position suits him best and where he can have the most significant impact.
In an interview with Liverpool’s official website, Elliott disclosed that while he has been effective as a winger or box-to-box midfielder, the No. 10 role is more in line with his natural playing style. “I think the positions in the formations that he [Slot] plays, there are a few that really suit my style of play, especially the No. 10 role,” Elliott explained. He noted that this position enables him to receive the ball in areas where he feels most confident and effective, describing it as his “bread and butter” and something he intuitively understands.
When asked if he hoped to secure this role under Slot’s management, Elliott was hopeful yet realistic about the competition in the squad. “I hope so, yeah,” he said. “It’s something I’m working towards. I need to prove it—it’s not really going to be given to me, especially with the quality that we have in and around the team. It’s going to be very hard.”
Despite the challenges, Elliott is determined to secure a place in the starting lineup. He acknowledges the intense competition but is ready to elevate his game, as reflected in his pre-season performances. “I feel it’s time for me now to make the next step, to try to establish myself and cement my spot in the team. I feel like I’m confident enough now,” he stated.
Reflecting on the previous season, Elliott considered it a breakthrough year, with many appearances even if most were as a substitute. “I’ve come off the back of a season that was kind of my breakthrough season, I would say. I played a lot of games, although I didn’t start many,” he noted. Now, his focus is on changing that dynamic and aiming to be a regular starter. “I feel like now it’s time to try to change that and have my role when starting. It’s going to be very hard, it’s going to be difficult, and I need to work as hard as I possibly can to make sure I get that.”
As the new season approaches, Elliott’s goal is clear: to move from being a promising young talent to a key player for Liverpool, making a decisive impact from the start. His progress is one to watch as he seeks to prove himself under new management and take on more responsibility within the team.
