Liverpool don’t need to sign a new midfielder this summer, thanks to the early season form of Harvey Elliot.
The 19-year-old started the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace and gave Liverpool energy, desire and quality from midfield.
With Thiago, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all out injured fans are becoming increasingly worried over their midfield options.
However, the emergence of Elliot will feel like a new signing – given his backup role last season.
Harvey Elliot’s game by numbers vs Crystal Palace:
100% dribble success rate
90% pass accuracy
74 touches
6/10 ground duels won
2 interceptions
1 key pass
1 big chance createdNew contract, same Elliot. đź’Ž pic.twitter.com/AUdPiG8Gve
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 15, 2022
Elliot leads the way statistically
Elliot played 40 mins against Fulham and then started the Palace game and has impressed on the eye and statistically too.
Harvey Elliott leads Liverpool’s midfielders in Tackles Won (4), Successful Pressures (11), Key Passes (3), Successful Dribbles (4), and Shot Creating Actions (9).
His energy is certainly something to touch on; the amount of times he won the ball back almost directly after giving it away was a clear sign that he will be a top player.
Elliot vs Crystal Palace. Needs to be a regular starter. pic.twitter.com/pZVWfdwz1O
— SamWebo (@lfcwxbb) August 16, 2022
What has to be touched on is his creativity and progressive passing range. For Klopp, he’s a perfect player in midfield as he has 22.76 pressure per 90 which places him in the 82nd percentile for midfielders and that work rate is key.
Furthermore, his attacking and creative stats stand out as he registers in the 99th percentile for shot-creating actions, progressive passes, touches in the attacking penalty area and progressive passes received; he’s a creative buzz in midfield and with more game-time, he’ll be able to contribute in terms of goals and assists on a more regular basis.
With injuries in midfield, he should see himself as a regular starter – at least for the next few weeks following Darwin Nunez’s red card – playing either on the wing or in midfield as Liverpool negotiates injuries and suspensions and a winless start.
