Liverpool’s march towards the Premier League title continued on Saturday, with a 3-1 win over Southampton.
Despite picking up the victory, the Reds did not have it all their own way, with Liverpool providing a ‘sloppy’ first half display – which saw them fall 1-0 behind to the Saints.
Clearly recognising his side were far from their best, Arne Slot did not hold back at half-time and made three substitutions at the break.
Those changes would work a treat, with the likes of Alexis Mac Allister impressing off the bench.
Another of Slot’s substitutions has also come in for praise, with Harvey Elliott being singled out for his Anfield cameo.
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Jamie O’Hara highlights Harvey Elliott’s Liverpool impact
After a stop-start season, the youngster’s season recently sprang into life in the Champions League as Elliott grabbed the winner against PSG.
Prior to his Paris heroics, though, Elliot was being linked with a Liverpool exit, with minutes hard to come by under Slot.
The 21-year-old, however, has stepped up to the plate in recent weeks when handed the chance, with his substitute cameo against Southampton the latest impressive performance from the youngster.
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Speaking on Elliott’s impact for Liverpool, pundit Jamie Ohara told TalkSport.
“Arne Slot is using him so Slot would tell you that he’s a massive part of his future and a massive part of Liverpool because he is one of those players who is unlucky.
“I look at him and I think he is a right-sided winger/midfielder and you’ve got Salah there having the season of his life, but he can come on and change a game.
“He makes a difference and he’s still young, Harvey Elliott. He’s got to sit there and think I might not feature every game, I might not be involved every week but when I get my opportunity I’m going to make a difference for the club and Arne Slot, that’s a big weapon to have when you’ve got that player on the bench for you.”
Elliott shines again for Liverpool against Southampton
Daniel Sturridge praised Elliott for his impact in Paris and the youngster once again made a difference off the bench versus the Saints.
With Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai looking slighly leggy in the first-half, Elliott provided some needed energy and attacking quality to the Liverpool midfield.
The 21-year-old’s attacking impact was a particular highlight, with his positivity on the ball giving the Reds a spark in the final third.
Harvey Elliot stats vs Southampton
Minutes played 45
Shots 4
Accurate passes 29/34 (85%)
Touches 47
Passes into final third 4
Stats via FotMob
Elliott’s Liverpool future remains unclear, but if he can continue to step up when needed – Slot will no doubt want to keep him at Anfield in the coming seasons.