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Could Harvey Elliott be the Central Playmaker under Arne Slot

Ever since Harvey Elliott signed from Fulham in 2019, the England under-21 star has never failed to show a burning desire to succeed at Anfield. Though it may be dismissive of others to say that last year was the breakout season of the London born attacking midfielder, the consistency, exciting performances, and end of season run of form, make it difficult not to see him as a viable starting piece under the incoming new head coach, Arne Slot. With so many questions still surrounding the futures of Luis Díaz, Mohamed Salah, and a few others that have precarious contract situations, it could be that the future England international is ready to integrate himself under a new leadership.

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Where is Harvey Likely to Play Next Season?

I suspect that within the adjusted forward line that sees three assets behind one central striker, the left footed creator could well find himself slotted into the role ahead of the midfield double pivot, between two wide attackers. There had long been a worry that the 5ft 8inch ballplayer lacked the pace to thrive as the wide forward under Klopp’s version of 4-3-3, given the explosive attributes of those that have thrived before him. There was also a worry that his slight frame was not perfectly built to thrive in a box of box role as one of the three midfielders. This incoming and very much expected system of play, however, plays perfectly into the skill sets of the young man who possibly should have been a wild card selection for the European Championships. When you add the guile and the creativity to the limitless exuberance, you suddenly have a player that can excel in the right circumstances. Often, I see the infamous number 10 as someone that will coast through encounters, as a luxury player that must be catered for in this free role. In the case of the reds number 19, as a gold provider the intelligence and level tricky of the footballer may just transition perfectly in behind either Darwin Núñez or Diogo Jota.

Would a Central Position be Limiting…?

One would imagine that if indeed Mohamed Salah remains on Merseyside (and hopefully extends his own dwindling contract), he and Harvey would routinely be able to switch in and out and add confusion against the all-common low block. Restrictions in variety has too often made this Liverpool team predictable, with individual moments of brilliance sometimes required to overcome a stubborn resistance. That stubborn resistance will not regress; therefore, it requires new ways and patterns of play, which could see the lifelong Liverpool fan, Harvey Elliott, rise to the top of the game and become one of the most important players in v2.0.

 With a Full Pre-Season Under the New Boss

The lack of international inclusion for this summer’s tournaments could become a welcome blessing, especially with so many new assets being linked daily and question marks over certain entities who will be arriving back for pre-season training later in July.

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