Liverpool fans have slammed one star on social media following their 3-2 defeat to Brighton on Monday night. Goals from Harvey Elliott – off the back of a phenomenal Conor Bradley assist – and Dominik Szoboszlai weren’t enough to hand the Premier League champions all three points on the South Coast as the hosts came from behind twice to secure an important victory.
Arne Slot opted to make several changes to his starting XI, handing the likes of Kostas Tsimikas, Jarell Quansah and Federico Chiesa a place in the team from the get-go alongside regulars like Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate. However, one star might not have done enough to earn more regular game time moving forward, with some fans believing that Slot may be convinced to sell the player after his display.
Despite grabbing a goal and an assist on the night, fans were left unconvinced by Elliott in just his second Premier League start of the season. The 22-year-old, tipped for a bright future at Anfield, was gaining increased minutes towards the end of Jurgen Klopp’s reign when fit to play.
However, his momentum has certainly been cut short by his current boss, with his only other league start also coming after Liverpool secured the league title in the 3-1 defeat to Chelsea.
His goal at the Amex came after brilliant work down the right-hand side from Salah and Bradley, which left the former Fulham youngster with the simplest of tap-ins with the goal gaping. He also provided the assist for Szoboszlai’s cross-cum-shot which found the top corner, albeit his pass was a mere five-yard lay-off from a free-kick.
Despite his contributions in the game, Elliott’s overall midfield showing left a lot to be desired. While offensively he maintained a threat, the Wolves target struggled defensively, making just one tackle and often finding himself out of position when pressing and overrun in other circumstances.
This led to criticism among fans, with one saying: “Harvey Elliot has got to be sold along with Quansah, they will never ever be good enough for this team.” Another added: Harvey Elliott’s defensive work rate is really poor! He’s jogging and at times just walking back and it’s leaving Gravenberch quite exposed against a very mobile and nonstop Brighton midfield. It’s no wonder he’s struggled for game time this isn’t the work rate of a Slot midfield.”
A third claimed: “I’m sorry I can’t see another minute of Elliott chasing a ball. It’s like a 10-year-old trying to play with adults,” while a fourth said: “I hope you guys are seeing why Slot doesn’t play Elliott.”
A fifth stated: “Elliott goal and assist and he’s probably convinced Slot to sell him,” with a sixth saying: “Harvey Elliott’s performance is like watching a young lad that won a competition to play in one of Liverpool’s remaining fixtures…he’s out of place here,” and a seventh concluding: “For all his talent and guile, Harvey Elliott is such a frustrating player, always finds an excuse to play the ball backwards.”
