Slot: Exciting midfield competition stopping Liverpool star from starting role

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot believes Harvey Elliott is doing everything right to achieve a first-team start amid tough competition. Slot praised Elliott for his dedication in training and during the games despite his struggles to usurp the starting players.

Liverpool have enjoyed a healthy depth in their squad with a stacked midfield after Jurgen Klopp’s summer 2023 midfield revamp. The former legendary manager signed Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo during that summer transfer window.

All of these players have contributed immensely to Liverpool’s success while Curtis Jones enjoyed a steep rise as a midfielder. Elliott has maintained his presence in the squad, providing something different in midfield with his control, playmaking and work rate.

However, the 21-year-old’s ill-timed injury during the first half of the current season stopped him from impressing the new boss. Nevertheless, Elliott has played an influential role from the bench while professionally staying patient for his opportunities alongside other teammates.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference (via Liverpoolfc.com), Slot highlighted the tough competition that Elliott faces at Liverpool despite performing. He said:

“Keep bringing performances in like he did and keep working as hard on the training ground as he’s doing as well. I always say to the players it’s not only about you, it’s also about the competition you are in. And in his situation he’s in competition with five very good midfielders that you know and there are a few youngsters coming through that are very talented as well but they are not close to playing time yet. But he’s in competition with Wata [Wataru Endo], with Ryan [Gravenberch], with Curtis [Jones], with Macca [Alexis Mac Allister] and himself, so these are the midfielders we have at the moment. He has to bring performances like he does and then playing time will probably increase.”

Even players like Endo have struggled to receive significant game time but have played crucial roles whenever called upon. Elliott will gain his first-team opportunities if he continues to perform at the level that he has displayed recently.

The 21-year-old changed the game against Brentford and provided an assist for the second goal from Darwin Nunez. Elliott added to the performance with a goal against LOSC Lille while maintaining a high level of work rate.

The young Englishman has already gained ample experience under Klopp, playing in various roles for the team. The Kopites also adore Elliott and acknowledge the continuous effort he puts into the team to achieve success.

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The 21-year-old has displayed loyalty and professionalism during this period and Slot will eventually reward him as the Dutchman has rewarded other players. Liverpool will face Ipswich Town next in the Premier League game with Elliott likely to gain more opportunities to shine.