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Can Harvey Elliott Be Arne Slot’s New Year Diamond?

On the back of Liverpool’s encouraging and—more importantly—organised 1–0 victory away to Inter Milan, Arne Slot has finally been afforded the luxury of breathing space. The Dutchman remains a man under scrutiny, but for the first time in months, his Liverpool side resembled a team with structure, clarity, and a clear sense of purpose. The diamond midfield restored balance, offered protection to a long-suffering back line, and allowed the Reds to slow the game down in ways unimaginable during their chaotic autumn collapse.

Yet, as encouraging as the result and tactical shift were, I’m not naïve enough to proclaim this a grand resurrection. Inter, for all their formidable home record and domestic consistency, are still an ageing side that plays at a tempo Liverpool can live with. The real test comes against the fast, the ferocious, and the physically dominant outfits that have bullied the champions week after week. Still, within this tactical reshuffle lies an unexpected subplot—one that may shape Liverpool’s January transfer window: the possible reintegration of Harvey Elliott.

A System Opening Doors—and an Unresolved Future

Slot’s new diamond, with a holder behind two energetic shuttlers and a creator at the tip, is not far removed from the shape Brendan Rodgers briefly weaponised over a decade ago. That system allowed Luis Suárez, Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling, and Philippe Coutinho to devastate Premier League defences, even as the back line groaned under its own fragility. The principle remains the same: compactness behind the ball, chaos and invention in front of it.

This is precisely the type of structure that could rescue the career of Harvey Elliott.

Last season, Elliott was used sparingly under Slot, and even that may be overstating things. His lack of physicality, combined with Liverpool’s shift away from wide creativity, left him without a natural role. It was no shock to see him loaned to Aston Villa over the summer, but it has been a disastrous match from the beginning. Emery’s rigid system does not suit him, and the contractual obligations attached to appearances almost guarantee he won’t play enough to make the loan permanent. Elliott feels like a passenger waiting for a return ticket.

With that in mind, a January recall feels increasingly likely.

And the timing may be perfect. The Mohamed Salah situation—his criticism of the manager, his exclusion from the Inter squad, and the looming African Cup of Nations—has changed the landscape entirely. There is now a real possibility that Liverpool sell their record-breaking number 11 in January to one of the Saudi clubs that came knocking last summer. If that happens, Elliott’s return takes on a new complexion.

No, Elliott is not Salah’s successor—not yet, not ever. But in a diamond? As the understudy to Florian Wirtz? As a hardworking, technically sharp connector between midfield and attack? That is absolutely a role he could thrive in.

A Diamond Future—or a Final Chance?

What the future holds for Arne Slot is unknown. What it holds for Harvey Elliott is equally uncertain. But if Liverpool truly do press ahead with this new structure—and if Salah’s departure becomes inevitable—Elliott may find himself presented with the chance he has waited years for.

He will not replace Mohammed Salah. But he can become part of the solution in a team that desperately needs fresh energy, humility, and hunger.

And if the Saudi Pro League throws €100 million at Edwards and Hughes for Liverpool’s number 11, it might just be Elliott who steps into the vacancy—not as a star, but as a believer.

Which right now, is exactly what this fractured squad needs.

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