“Different class as a player, different class as a lad" - Liverpool star hails teammate Harvey Elliott after pre-season win over Arsenal
Liverpool star Tyler Morton has waxed lyrical about his teammate Harvey Elliott after his side's pre-season win over Arsenal on July 31. The 21-year-old hailed Elliott's performance, insisting that he's cut from a different cloth.
Liverpool locked horns with the Gunners in a pre-season friendly at the Lincoln Financial Field in the United States on Wednesday. Arne Slot deployed Elliott in midfield and he put on an excellent display.
Elliott registered two assists in the encounter. His first came from a dangerous through ball that saw Mohamed Salah in on goal. The Egyptian smashed it into the back of the net to put Liverpool 1-0 up in the 13th minute.
Elliott then set up Fabio Carvalho's strike 20 minutes later with a fantastic chip over Arsenal's defense. Kai Havertz managed to pull one back for the Gunners before half-time but to no avail, as the Merseysiders secured a 2-1 victory.
Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton couldn't break into the starting XI for the fixture. However, he managed to get some minutes on the pitch after replacing Salah in the second half.
After the match, Morton spoke highly of Elliott and his performance against Arsenal, saying (per the club's official website):
“He’s different class. Different class as a player, different class as a lad. Everyone loves him and he is a brilliant footballer. To watch him play out there, everyone comments on it: he’s class to watch, he’s got something different to a lot of players.
"I don’t want to big him up too much! But he looked like a different level out there, so big credit to him and big credit to the team that helped him perform like that.”
The Reds will face Ipswitch Town away in their first game of the 2024-25 Premier League season on August 17.
Liverpool star Harvey Elliott reveals his preferred position under Arne Slot
Harvey Elliott has admitted that he would prefer to play in the No.10 role under Arne Slot. The English attacker, however, conceded that he would be comfortable playing in any position the manager demands.
After nine years at Anfield, establishing himself as a club icon, Jurgen Klopp departed the Liverpool role at the end of last season. The German explained that he was fatigued and in need of a sabbatical from the grueling job of management.
The Reds appointed Arne Slot to replace Klopp as they prepare for a new era. In his first two games in charge during pre-season, the Dutchman has deployed Elliott as an attacking midfielder.
After Liverpool's triumph over Arsenal, he revealed that he would like to play the same position under Slot. The 21-year-old said (via BBC Sport):
"I think so. It's my preferred position but wherever the boss tells me to play, I am comfortable of playing anywhere. I've said many times I just want to go out and play for the team and wear the shirt in any positions, do the job to the best of my ability."
Elliott has made 119 senior appearances for the Merseysiders, scoring 10 goals and providing 15 assists.