“He Wasn’t the Same” – Arne Slot Speaks Out on Harvey Elliott’s Liverpool Future | OneFootball

Harvey Elliott, Liverpool’s Title Triumph, and Arne Slot’s Calculated Patience

Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph under Arne Slot has brought a wave of euphoria back to Anfield. The Dutchman has led the Reds to domestic glory in his very first season, succeeding the charismatic Jürgen Klopp with an assuredness that has surprised even seasoned observers. But amid the champagne and silverware, Slot’s recent press conference at the AXA Training Centre offered insight into a subtler, more delicate challenge: managing the development of young talents like Harvey Elliott.

Slot’s Strategic Rotation and Elliott’s Limited Role

It’s no secret that Harvey Elliott, once tipped as one of Liverpool’s brightest prospects, has not featured prominently during this title-winning campaign. Yet, Slot’s explanation for Elliott’s limited involvement this season was disarmingly transparent — and carefully measured.

“Harvey is one of the players that hasn’t had as much playing time as he maybe deserves,” Slot admitted, before offering a candid account of the reasons. Elliott’s long injury layoff earlier in the season clearly disrupted his momentum, and Slot was unflinching in his assessment of the midfielder’s form upon return. “The first part after he came back from his injury, he wasn’t the same as he was before,” Slot noted.

However, this was no dismissal of Elliott’s future at Liverpool. On the contrary, Slot emphasised that the 21-year-old has since shown tangible signs of recovery and progress. “The last few months he’s back to his old level again,” Slot said, pointing out the gradual increase in Elliott’s minutes as evidence of renewed trust. “That tells you that we like – I like – him more now than I did when he came back from his injury in the first month.”

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s Depth and the Challenge for Elliott

In truth, Elliott’s position at Liverpool has never been more complicated. He is part of a squad brimming with quality, particularly in midfield, where competition is fierce. Slot referenced this dynamic, explaining that the choices he’s made haven’t been driven by a lack of faith in Elliott but by the depth and form of those ahead of him.

There is also the matter of tactical fit. Slot’s high-energy, disciplined approach demands more than technical flair — it requires positional awareness, physical readiness, and adaptability. It’s possible that Elliott is still refining these attributes, particularly after such a significant injury.

Path Forward Under Slot’s Vision

What Slot’s comments reinforce is the idea that Liverpool are playing a long game with Elliott. At 21, he remains a valuable asset — not a fringe figure, but someone whose minutes must be managed carefully rather than squandered. The manager’s decision to be forthright with the player himself is telling. “I’ve been honest with him,” Slot said. It’s a simple sentence, but one loaded with significance in a football world often clouded by euphemisms.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s transparent handling of Elliott — combined with his proven track record of improving players — suggests that the midfielder’s best days in red may yet be ahead. This is a manager who clearly values trust and communication, both of which are essential for a young player finding his footing after injury.

Momentum Into Next Season

Winning the league early presents Slot with a rare opportunity. With fixtures remaining against Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton and Crystal Palace, he now has the luxury of gradually easing players like Elliott into more prominent roles without the looming pressure of results.

Slot himself acknowledged this moment as a springboard. “We also have to look at this as the start of next season already,” he said. And for Elliott, that start may come sooner than expected — not out of charity, but because the manager sees the quality and the willingness to rise again.