As Andoni Iraola is set to take his first Liverpool preseason, it opens doors for players. Members of the Reds’ ever-growing academy look like they will be granted a chance under the Spaniard. Though one man who has a point to prove is Harvey Elliott.
The Englishman moved to Anfield in 2019 at the age of 16. Now at 23, the chances have come as expected. He got chances under Jurgen Klopp, though he never really broke through as a name on the teamsheet week in, week out. When Arne Slot joined, the dialogue was different. He was rarely getting opportunities from the bench, so a loan move was suitable for his development.
Even though he had something to celebrate at Aston Villa as they won the Europa League, it was far from ideal. Unfortunately, Liverpool and Villa let him down, as he failed to make five Premier League appearances due to a clause. It looked him his bags were packed for a permanent adventure elsewhere. However, the appointment of the former Cherries boss gives him a lifeline.
Not many supporters of the Merseyside outfit can say they have played for the club. Though Elliott wants to set a legacy in the North West for the team he adores. Time is running out, and this could be one final chance. To give it his all, he has made a keen decision to see if that can be his saving grace.
Elliott makes brave decision
The World Cup is taking place in America currently for some players, while others are on holiday. The lack of game time in the past two years ultimately meant he wasn’t in Thomas Tuchel’s plans.
Instead of taking time off to reset the batteries, Elliott has taken this chance to do something else. Videos have appeared on social media of the 23-year-old beginning his preseason preparation. He has made the decision to cut his holiday short to get into the best shape possible for a potential Liverpool return.
He was working with shooting trainer Scott Chickelday, who used to coach the English midfielder when he was at Queens Park Rangers academy. The video of him practising his shooting is on his Instagram account, sc9strikercoach.
Since the Reds announced who their new manager is, there has been talk of youngsters being included in his squad. A similar discussion was had when Slot took the role, though the Dutch head coach didn’t deliver on that request. Elliott may be slightly older than academy stars like Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni, but at 23, he is nowhere near his peak.
As the World Cup interferes with preseason, Iraola will have a different squad to one expected on the first day of the season. Elliott will be one of those names included, and likely on the plane to America for their games in the States. It gives him a chance to prove people wrong and get back into the Liverpool squad. However, as transfer news rumbles on, there could be one major setback he may have to deal with.
Liverpool target midfield options
It’s been made no secret by the media that Richard Hughes will likely be looking at midfield options this summer. Several names have already been tipped with an Anfield move, such as Alex Scott and Adam Wharton, neither are at the World Cup.
Curtis Jones may be leaving, with only one year left on his deal, and Italian giants Inter Milan are showing interest. Not only would this be a loss in the middle of the park, but also for squad registration, as they lose a homegrown player. Alexis Mac Allister may also be on the way out, after a disastrous campaign.
Players from France have been mentioned, including Morocco World Cup star, Ayyoub Bouaddi. As Mohamed Salah departs, it may mean he is used as a backup to a new right winger. However, he has often been criticised from the flanks for his lack of space.
Liverpool know if they are to catch Arsenal and Manchester City, they need midfield additions. This leaves Elliott’s place in serious doubt. Preseason may well be his final chance on Merseyside, and it shows why he’s taking it so seriously.
