During Jurgen Klopp’s final season at Liverpool, Harvey Elliott enjoyed what was arguably his most productive campaign in the famous red shirt. The 21-year-old midfielder made a significant impact, featuring in 53 matches across all competitions, where he managed to score four goals and deliver 11 assists. This season was a clear demonstration of Elliott’s growing importance to the team. Whether starting or coming off the bench, Elliott was a consistent presence in Klopp’s squad, often deployed as part of a central midfield trio. His preferred position was on the right-hand side of this setup, where he showcased his sharpness, fitness, and technical skills more effectively than in previous years, capping the campaign in excellent form.
However, with the arrival of a new manager, Arne Slot, Elliott has now shared his thoughts on where he believes his talents can be best utilized. Despite proving his worth in a deeper midfield role, Elliott has expressed a preference for playing further up the pitch. Specifically, he has identified the role of an attacking midfielder as the position where he feels most comfortable and where he believes he can make the most significant impact.
In an interview with Liverpool’s official website, Elliott revealed that while he has been effective as a winger or a box-to-box midfielder, the No. 10 role aligns more closely with his natural style of play. “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,” said the former Fulham player. Elliott explained that this position allows him to receive the ball in the areas where he feels most confident and effective, describing it as his “bread and butter” and something he understands intuitively.
When asked if he hoped to occupy this role under Slot’s management, Elliott was optimistic but realistic about the competition within 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 remains determined to secure his place in the starting lineup. He acknowledged the fierce competition but expressed a readiness to elevate his game to the next level, a goal that has been evident 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 shared.
Reflecting on the past season, Elliott noted that it was something of a breakthrough year for him, with numerous appearances, even if many 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 said. Now, he is focused on changing that dynamic, aiming to become 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 ambition is clear: to transition from a promising young talent into a key player for Liverpool, one who not only contributes from the bench but also makes a decisive impact from the starting whistle. His journey is one to watch, as he strives to prove himself under new management and take on greater responsibility within the team.