Liverpool star Harvey Elliott outlines the need to balance his “team spirit” with his selfish streak to cement his starting place
Harvey Elliott revealed that he needs to balance teamwork with more selfishness to cement himself as a Liverpool regular. Elliott established himself as a key member of the Reds’ senior team under legendary manager Jurgen Klopp in past seasons.
The 21-year-old joined Slot’s pre-season plans early to understand the new head coach’s tactical requirements and differences from last season. Elliott played as one of the two number 10 in the 1-0 friendly victory over Real Betis alongside Dominik Szoboszlai.
The Englishman has already gained immense experience at the senior level despite his young age but wants regular first-team football. Klopp used Elliott in several different positions like central midfield and as a right winger deputy to legendary Mohamed Salah.
Speaking to the Athletic, Elliott explained that he needs to balance his hard-working attitude with some selfishness to improve further. He said:
“I think it’s just to make it a bit more about myself and maybe be a bit more selfish in certain ways. But I have that team spirit in me, I will never lose that. I want to play for the team and the badge, I love the club and that is never going to leave me. But in certain situations, I need to think about myself more. If I am not performing and not training very well I can’t look at anyone other than myself. I am at an age now where I want to cement my place in the team and I want to be playing week in and week out and as I said it is not going to just come for me.”
Slot’s style should allow Elliott to get the best out of his game with his strengths complimenting the tactics. The 21-year-old is not the most athletic but he is very hard-working, technically strong and brilliant in compact spaces.
Elliott’s ability to progress with the ball and find his teammates with creativity could come in handy in the number-10 role. The position has many competitors within the squad like Ryan Gravenberch, Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.
However, an early look at Slot’s tactics showcases that many midfielders can start simultaneously in certain games. Furthermore, Elliott’s versatility could allow him to feature regularly in the starting eleven as he continues to develop positively.
More Liverpool News
- Liverpool star reveals how legendary boss paved the way for his successor
- Liverpool star hails youngster’s fearless pre-season performance
- Liverpool star eyes England glory after overcoming constant snub
Consistency is the key for Elliott and a slight increase in selfishness would allow him to contribute more in goals and assists. The young Englishman has shown his technical qualities by scoring some incredible long-range goals last season.
