Gibbs and Lynch Debate Harvey Elliott’s Role in Slot’s Liverpool System | OneFootball

Harvey Elliott’s Liverpool Future in Doubt? Lynch and Gibbs Debate Midfielder’s Role

Liverpool’s FA Cup exit to Plymouth may have been the headline, but it also sparked a deeper conversation about the future of some of the club’s young talents. On the Media Matters podcast from Anfield Index, host Eddie Gibbs and Liverpool reporter David Lynch shared candid thoughts on Harvey Elliott’s struggles, raising questions about whether the midfielder has a long-term future at Anfield.

Elliott’s Struggles Against Plymouth

Elliott, who has often been praised for his technical ability and footballing intelligence, had a game to forget in Liverpool’s 1-0 loss to Plymouth. Gibbs didn’t mince his words, saying, “His touch was dreadful. His passing was awful. And it just didn’t come off for him.”

Elliott was deployed in an unfamiliar deeper midfield role, one that exposed his weaknesses rather than showcasing his strengths. Gibbs pointed out that, “Whether people like it or not, he is a midfielder, but he’s not a deep-lying midfielder. He was almost playing as a sweeper in the last twenty minutes.” This positional change, combined with a disjointed midfield, made it difficult for Elliott to influence the game.

Lynch echoed these concerns, noting that Elliott’s recent performances have been underwhelming. “Over the last couple of performances, I’m getting a little bit concerned,” Lynch admitted. “I thought the PSV performance was poor, and against Plymouth, he was one of many who struggled. His touch looked off, his range of passing wasn’t there, and he just hasn’t quite looked himself.”

Photo: IMAGO

Where Does Elliott Fit Under Arne Slot?

The central issue, as Gibbs and Lynch discussed, is where Elliott fits into Arne Slot’s system. Slot’s tactical approach doesn’t seem to accommodate Elliott’s strengths, and the pair questioned whether the young midfielder can adapt.

Gibbs posed the critical question: “Where is Elliott’s future? He’s not going to be a right winger because he doesn’t have the pace. Liverpool don’t play with a ten, and in Slot’s system, that’s unlikely to change.” He also highlighted Elliott’s limitations compared to other midfield options, adding, “For all he’s good on the ball, he’s no Dominic Szoboszlai off the ball.”

Lynch, who has previously been confident about Elliott’s role at Liverpool, admitted his stance has shifted. “When those initial reports came out about selling him, I was very sceptical,” he said. “Whereas now, I don’t know… it doesn’t seem outside the realm of possibility. I’ve got more doubts about it than I did two or three months ago.”

The Contract Situation and Summer Decisions

Elliott’s contract situation adds another layer of complexity. He will be two years out from the end of his contract this summer, a period when clubs typically decide whether to offer a new deal or consider a sale. Lynch noted, “Liverpool are either going to have to sell him or tie him down to a new one.”

Given the current trajectory, Lynch suggested that Liverpool might be open to offers, especially if Elliott doesn’t find consistent form before the season’s end. “I don’t think he’s going to play very much over the remainder of the season because the starts aren’t going to be there for him,” Lynch added. “I just hope when he goes back to being a super sub in the Premier League, he can put in a few more decent performances.”

Gibbs also pointed out that Liverpool’s summer transfer strategy could influence Elliott’s future. “If the club sees an opportunity to bring in funds by selling Elliott, it might make sense, especially if Slot doesn’t see him as part of the long-term plan.”

Still Time to Prove Himself?

Despite the concerns, both Gibbs and Lynch agreed that Elliott still has time to prove his worth. At just 20 years old, he’s one of the youngest players in the squad and has already amassed significant Premier League experience. Lynch emphasised this, saying, “You’d like to think you can get more out of him. He will knock these rough edges off his game.”

However, the clock is ticking. With Liverpool competing on multiple fronts and Slot clearly favouring other midfield options, Elliott will need to make the most of any opportunities that come his way. Gibbs summed it up: “It’s great to say he’s a lovely lad and a Liverpool boy, but at this level, you need more than sentiment. You need to fit the system and deliver on the pitch.”

Defining Few Months Ahead

Harvey Elliott’s journey with Liverpool is at a crossroads. His recent struggles, coupled with tactical changes under Arne Slot, have cast doubt on his long-term future at the club. As Lynch candidly put it, “I’ve got more doubts about it than I did two or three months ago.”

The coming months will be crucial for Elliott. Whether he can adapt and find a defined role in Slot’s system, or whether Liverpool decide to cash in during the summer, remains to be seen. For now, Elliott must seize every chance to prove he belongs at Anfield.