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Is Harvey Elliott Liverpool’s Most Underrated Asset?

Is Harvey Elliott Liverpool’s Most Underrated Asset?
Is Harvey Elliott Liverpool’s Most Underrated Asset?

Harvey Elliott: A Tactical Asset in Arne Slot’s Liverpool

Liverpool’s dynamic under Arne Slot has shifted since his appointment in the summer, and one player who continues to spark debate is Harvey Elliott. Known for his technical prowess but often criticised for his physicality, Elliott’s role was a focal point of a recent discussion on the Stat Me Up podcast by Phil Barter and Dave Davis. Analysing Elliott’s contributions during Liverpool’s match against Lille, they explored his strengths, limitations, and future potential.

Harvey Elliott’s Impact Against Lille

Elliott came on at half-time during Liverpool’s clash with Lille, making an immediate impression. As Phil Barter noted, “He seems to knit everything together,” but does the data support this observation? Despite having less on-ball time compared to Curtis Jones, the player he replaced, Elliott excelled in specific areas.

Barter highlighted key metrics: “He created more expected goals (xG) and post-shot xG than Jones. His shot, deflected into the top corner, showcased his knack for impactful contributions.” This high xG value, though partially aided by the deflection, underscores his ability to threaten the opposition’s goal.

Moreover, Elliott’s passing in the final third stood out. “Nine of his 21 attempted passes were into the danger zone, compared to just two out of 24 from Jones,” Barter explained. This statistic exemplifies Elliott’s forward-thinking approach, enabling him to create chances from advanced positions.

The Positional Advantage

One of the podcast’s central themes was Elliott’s positioning. As Barter noted, “46% of his touches were in the middle third, but 43% were in the final third.” This contrast with Jones, who operated deeper, highlights Elliott’s ability to influence play closer to the opposition’s goal.

Dave Davis expanded on this: “Zone 14 is where Harvey comes alive, sliding balls down channels and making things happen.” However, he acknowledged Elliott’s physical limitations, which make him less suited to “hustle-bustle games.” Instead, Elliott thrives when introduced late in matches when the opposition is tiring, capitalising on space and reduced intensity.

Future Prospects Under Arne Slot

Elliott’s role under Slot appears increasingly defined as an impactful substitute. Davis remarked, “I don’t think Harvey can start a hustle-bustle game… His physicality isn’t what Slot demands of his midfield three.” While this limits Elliott’s starting opportunities, it doesn’t diminish his value. His contributions—pre-assists, assists, and now a goal—highlight his ability to influence critical moments.

Reflecting on Slot’s tactical approach, Davis speculated that using Elliott strategically could unlock better results: “Bringing him on late, like against Brentford, when the opposition’s energy levels drop, might be a more optimal strategy.”

Conclusion

Harvey Elliott exemplifies a modern footballer who leverages skill and vision over raw physicality. As the Stat Me Up discussion revealed, his impact is most pronounced in specific game states, making him an essential part of Arne Slot’s Liverpool, even if not a consistent starter. With his ability to exploit tired defences and contribute creatively, Elliott has carved out a niche that may prove invaluable as Liverpool navigates a new era under Slot’s leadership.