Harvey Elliott has reminded everyone of the quality he possesses with an outstanding performance in the Copa del Rey.
The Liverpool midfielder was at the heart of things, scoring a superb free-kick and producing an impressive all-round display that showed exactly why there is still so much belief in his ability.
And it wasn’t just the goal that caught the eye.
Elliott’s statistics tell the story of a player who wanted to take responsibility, dictate the tempo and make things happen.
The numbers behind Elliott’s performance
His individual statistics make for excellent reading:
● 1 goal – a superb free-kick
● 80/89 accurate passes – around 90% completion
● 7 passes into the final third
● 5 shots – joint-most in the match
● 111 touches – joint-most in the match
● 5 touches in the opposition box
● 3 chances created
● 3 shots on target
● 4/5 accurate long balls
That is an impressive contribution.
The free-kick will naturally grab the headlines, but I particularly like the combination of his passing numbers, creativity and willingness to get shots away.
Eighty accurate passes from 89 attempts is excellent, while seven passes into the final third show that he wasn’t simply keeping possession for the sake of it.
He was looking to move his team forward.
Three chances created is another encouraging statistic. Elliott has always had the technical ability to unlock defences, and getting into dangerous positions while remaining involved in the build-up is an important part of his game.
A reminder of what Liverpool have in Harvey Elliott
There is no question that Elliott has talent.
He is technically gifted, comfortable receiving the ball in tight spaces and capable of producing something special with his left foot.
One of his biggest strengths is his ability to play between the lines and find passes that can open up an opposition defence.
He also has an eye for goal, as this latest free-kick demonstrates.
At Liverpool, opportunities have not always been easy to come by, particularly with the competition for places and the changes to the squad.
That is why regular football is so important for his development.
He needs minutes, responsibility and the opportunity to build confidence rather than spending too much time watching from the sidelines.
Could this change his Liverpool future?
The big question is what happens next.
Elliott is still a player with plenty to offer, but Liverpool have some decisions to make about his long-term future.
If he is going to return to Anfield, he needs to be playing regularly and competing for a meaningful role. Performances like this certainly strengthen his case.
I wouldn’t write him off.
Liverpool have invested time in developing Elliott, and supporters know what he can bring when he is playing with confidence.
Of course, one excellent cup performance doesn’t suddenly guarantee him a starting place at Liverpool. Consistency is what matters, and he needs to keep producing these displays.
But the quality is clearly there.
My verdict
I am delighted to see Elliott putting in performances like this.
The free-kick was the highlight, but 111 touches, 80 accurate passes, three chances created and five attempts at goal show how involved he was throughout the match.
He is a talented footballer who deserves to be playing regularly.
Hopefully, he can use this performance as a springboard for the rest of his season.
Liverpool supporters will certainly be keeping an eye on his progress.
By Jamie
(The Kopite View)
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