Harvey Elliott to ‘struggle’ at Liverpool after ‘dismal’ development
Liverpool star Harvey Elliott has not featured anywhere near as much as expected in Arne Slot’s first season at Anfield.
The 21-year-old was earmarked for an increased role under the Dutchman after an impressive campaign last season but has struggled to get on the pitch.
The England Under-21 international has made just 16 appearances in all competitions for the Reds for a total of just 502 minutes, which works out to just over five full matches.
It is unlikely that the former Fulham star will be given the chance to redeem himself in the second half of the season with the Merseysiders gunning for the Premier League and Champions League titles.
Harvey Elliott struggles to grab Liverpool chance
The left-footed maestro has struggled to carve out a consistent position for the Reds, he does not have the quickness to be a winger in the modern game but his game is not rounded enough to be a centre midfielder.
He also lacks physicality and that is part of the reason why Slot seems to prefer Dominik Szoboszlai in the number ten role or as an advanced eight.
His performances when he has been given a chance have not convinced the new head coach that he can be an option in the bigger matches.
Although he scored in the 3-2 loss to PSV, his overall performance left a lot to be desired as he created zero chances and completed 77 per cent of his passes. [Fotmob]
In the 1-0 defeat to Plymouth that saw the Reds crash out of the FA Cup, Elliott gave away the penalty that led to the loss as he ran at the ball with his arms raised.
He recorded a 71 per cent pass accuracy, had just one touch in the opposition box and created one chance. [Fotmob]
His attempts to drive his side forward were consistently thwarted, he was accurate with just six of his 13 long pass attempts for a 46 per cent success rate.
Defensively, he made just one recovery but won two of his three contested ground duels for a 63 per cent success rate and also won the only aerial duel that he attempted.
If he is to force his way into Slot’s plans his performances will have to be a lot more convincing that the dismal display against the Championship outfit.
Otherwise, he may find that he no longer has a place in the first-team picture at Anfield.