In recent weeks, Liverpool’s young talent, Harvey Elliott, has captured attention with standout performances for England’s under-21 team, displaying a style reminiscent of Mohamed Salah. Could he be the unexpected heir to Salah’s position in the future?
Just a couple of months ago, Liverpool faced a substantial offer from Al-Ittihad, totaling $183 million, for the services of their star player, Mohamed Salah. Despite the tempting bid from the Middle East, Liverpool swiftly rejected the offer, emphasizing their commitment to retaining the 31-year-old forward.
Salah has continued to shine for Liverpool, currently leading the Premier League with nine goals and assists combined in the opening eight games of the season. However, as Salah approaches the final year of his contract in 2024, the prospect of a sale cannot be entirely ruled out.
One distinctive quality sets Salah apart in Klopp’s attacking lineup—he favors his left foot in a predominantly right-footed league. Finding a like-for-like replacement for Salah would be challenging, and Klopp acknowledges the difficulty of sourcing an identical heir.
During the international break, 20-year-old Harvey Elliott, a left-footed player, showcased his abilities as a midfielder and occasional forward for England’s under-21 team. While Klopp has primarily portrayed Elliott as a midfielder, his successful loan spell at Blackburn Rovers, where he scored seven goals and provided 11 assists as an attacker, demonstrates his versatility.
Elliott possesses sharp technical skills, intelligence on the ball, and a natural creative flair. His recent performances for England, including two goals and two assists in two matches, highlight his potential. Deployed on the right in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Elliott demonstrated his ability to create chances, a crucial element in Liverpool’s evolving tactical approach.
Liverpool is in the process of refining its strategy, incorporating Trent Alexander-Arnold as an inverted full-back and a conventional striker like Darwin Núñez. Salah has adapted to a more creative role this season, contributing significantly to assists. In this changing dynamic, Elliott, with his left-footed dynamism, could emerge as a genuine candidate to succeed Salah.
Klopp has already hinted at a shift in focus, positioning Elliott on the right in recent matches. While different from Salah in style, Elliott’s adaptability and skill set make him a compelling option as Liverpool navigates a tactical transition. As a potential supply line for Núñez, Elliott could provide a seamless transition, allowing Klopp to replace Salah without the need for a like-for-like heir.
