Liverpool Youngster Harvey Elliott Aims to Move Beyond ‘Super-Sub’ Status
Liverpool’s young talent, Harvey Elliott, is determined to shed his reputation as a super-sub and secure a place in the club’s established midfield. Despite frequently making an impact as a substitute, including scoring a stoppage-time winner against Crystal Palace, Elliott’s opportunities for starts have been limited due to the summer signings of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch. As a result, most of Elliott’s starts have come in minor competitions like the Europa League.
However, Elliott will have another chance to prove himself in the upcoming match against Union Saint-Gilloise. He understands that more playing time will be crucial for him to establish himself as a regular starter. While he appreciates the recognition as a super-sub, Elliott is eager to be known as a consistent presence in the team.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has expressed sympathy for Elliott’s situation but has unwavering belief in his talent. Klopp acknowledges that Elliott is still young but has already played a significant number of games. Before his ankle injury in September 2021, Elliott was considered the team’s best player. Klopp emphasizes that with Elliott’s skill set, he has the potential to be highly influential on the pitch.
Despite being only 20 years old, Elliott is seen as one of the senior players in the squad during their time in Belgium. The majority of the squad members are aged 21 and under, with an average age just shy of 22. With Liverpool already qualified as group winners, key players such as Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah have been left out of the squad to prioritize their upcoming match against Manchester United.
Unfortunately, Elliott’s teammate Mac Allister is also unavailable due to a knee injury sustained in the match against Sheffield United. The injury is proving to be more complicated than initially anticipated. Additionally, center-back Joel Matip recently underwent surgery for an ACL injury, likely ruling him out for the remainder of the season. Klopp and the medical staff are closely monitoring Mac Allister’s progress and hoping for a speedy recovery.
In conclusion, Harvey Elliott is determined to move beyond his super-sub status and establish himself as a regular starter in Liverpool’s midfield. With patience, perseverance, and more playing time, Elliott aims to showcase his talent and contribute significantly to the team’s success.