Despite making just one Premier League start in 14 top-flight games this campaign, the 20-year-old has quietly enjoyed a very productive season for United, suggesting he could be given a bigger role important in the near future.
In the 90 minutes, Elliott played an influential role in the victory, completing three chances, five tackles (0.4 expected goals), eight passes in the final third and a total of 42 passes. Whether scoring for those around him or threatening to get on the scoresheet himself, the former Fulham man was a key piece in what looked like a very fluid Liverpool side against Premier League opposition. This is a very positive sign for Liverpool and Klopp as they plan to prepare for life without star striker Mohamed Salah going forward. The Egypt international has attracted plenty of attention this summer thanks to the buying power of the Saudi Arabian Professional League, with Al Ittihad signing a $190m (€150m) fee for the player in the closing stages of the transfer window was offered.
Despite the 31-year-old’s monumental form, Liverpool have rejected all bids for Salah in a bid to keep hold of their star player ahead of the 2023/2024 season. Now the club is in second place, just one point behind the leader “Arsenal”. For now, this has proven to be the right move for the club.
However, with his current contract set to expire in 2025, Liverpool will eventually have to make a decision on Salah. It could mean making money or at least finding a replacement one day. Several names have been linked with a move to Anfield, including Leroy Sane, Jarrod Bowen and Federico Chiesa, but Liverpool could find the perfect replacement in Elliott. While there are key differences in the two’s playing styles, highlighted by their difference in pace, Elliott shows similarities in his tendency to cut off his left foot and his creative instincts for those around him.
The extra-time win against Crystal Palace also showed he can provide the same level of support if given more time in the team if given the chance. It remains to be seen whether Salah will get the chance to win a trophy with England Under-21s. But Liverpool have shown the benefits of making drastic changes to their squad this season after a midfield overhaul last summer.
Giving Elliott a shot at righty could have similar long-term results. Liverpool will be temporarily without Salah when they travel to the Ivory Coast for the Africa Cup of Nations in January, giving Klopp the perfect opportunity to test Elliott’s role more often. After an excellent season, Elliott is the most likely candidate to take Salah’s place.
Liverpool’s crushing win at home to West Ham United on Wednesday night provided Jurgen Klopp with some key insights, including a possible replacement for talisman Mohamed Salah. The Reds won 5-1 thanks to goals from Egypt’s Curtis Jones (two), Cody Gakpo and Dominic Szoboszlai, but one of the game’s most interesting insights may have come from someone who wasn’t on the scoresheet at Anfield. Harvey Elliott played on the right for Klopp in this Carabao Cup match and Salah usually dominated every game.
