Harvey Elliott’s Return Can’t Come Soon Enough: A Vital Option for Szoboszlai’s Rest
Well that was a set of welcome photos on a Monday night eh. In a season that’s rapidly intensifying for Liverpool, the return of Harvey Elliott couldn’t come at a better time. With a punishing schedule looming, his availability is crucial not only to bolster squad depth but to relieve Dominik Szoboszlai, whose workload has reached alarming levels. Elliott’s return will allow Szoboszlai to rest, a luxury that could prove critical as the season progresses. This really is a case of the quicker, the better.
Elliott’s Influence Last Season
Harvey Elliott’s impact on the team last season cannot be understated. Despite not always starting, his role as a consistent presence in midfield made him a valuable asset to Arne Slot’s squad. In the 2023/24 season, Elliott featured in 53 games across all competitions, contributing 4 goals and 11 assists. His ability to come off the bench and change the dynamic of the game made him one of Liverpool’s most reliable players. It’s no wonder that Slot had high hopes for him this season, saying on 13th September:
“Harvey’s injury is, of course, not just a big disappointment for him but also for us. He didn’t play a lot in the first three games but he showed himself really well in preseason.”
Slot clearly saw Elliott as a key figure in the rotation, and now, with Szoboszlai’s immense workload, his return is even more necessary.
Szoboszlai: The Engine That Needs A Break
Dominik Szoboszlai has been nothing short of spectacular since joining Liverpool. His relentless work ethic and vision have been integral to the team’s strong performances. However, the Hungarian midfielder is already feeling the strain, having clocked in 715 minutes across all competitions for Liverpool. His international commitments have also added to his workload, with 270 minutes already played for Hungary during the break and another 90 likely tonight. The cumulative effect of these minutes will take its toll, especially as Liverpool heads into a critical period where fixture congestion is inevitable. It was telling that Slot wanted to rest him against Palace and only brought him on due to Mac Allister injury.
Liverpool’s Gruelling Upcoming Fixtures
Liverpool’s next 10 fixtures are a serious test of their squad’s depth. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
• Chelsea (H) – Premier League – 20 October
• RB Leipzig (A) – Champions League – 23 October
• Arsenal (A) – Premier League – 27 October
• Brighton (A) – Carabao Cup – 30 October
• Brighton (H) – Premier League – 2 November
• Manchester City (H) – Premier League – 9 November
• Southampton (A) – Premier League – 23 November
• Newcastle (A) – Premier League – 2 December
• Everton (A) – Premier League – 7 December
• Tottenham (A) – Premier League – 14 December
This demanding run will push the squad to its limits, with important fixtures in the Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup. For a player like Szoboszlai, who has already played a significant number of minutes, a rest period is crucial. This is where Elliott comes in as a much-needed alternative. The quicker the rehab is done the better.
Elliott: The Perfect Rotation Option
While Szoboszlai is clearly one of Liverpool’s most pivotal players, Elliott provides the ideal rotation option. His versatility and energy make him more than capable of stepping in to give Szoboszlai a breather. Last season, Elliott often operated as Liverpool’s “12th man,” regularly coming off the bench to provide an extra spark. Even though he might not start every game, his presence will be invaluable in the upcoming weeks, especially with such a hectic schedule.
Liverpool’s season is at a critical juncture. Injuries and fatigue are likely to become significant factors, and the return of Harvey Elliott gives Arne Slot some much-needed flexibility. With Szoboszlai shouldering so much responsibility, the ability to rotate and rest him could be the difference between sustaining the momentum and dropping points. Slot doesn’t fancy all of his midfield options and the quicker one he does comes back, the better.
