Brighton have been linked to Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott in recent weeks, following January rumours.
The 22-year-old played an ensemble role in Liverpool’s historic title win last campaign and is likely looking to be the star elsewhere.
Could the English forward find a home at the Amex? Let’s see.
What does Harvey Elliott bring to Brighton?
After shining for England’s u21s in the impressive Euros trophy lift, Elliott has become a name at the forefront of Albion minds. His combination with Jack Hinshelwood both on and off the pitch has led to an intriguing new friendship.
Elliott is a left-footed right winger who can play as a ten or an eight. This may sound familiar as Brighton have quite a few players that match this description.
However, Elliott is an outstanding player.
What immediately stands out is his ball progression. Despite his limited minutes across the last few seasons, he ranks in the very top percentiles for progressive passes, passes into the penalty area, xA, crosses and key passes per 90.
Elliott is a creative player whose best work is done in attacking a low block, threading incisive passes and taking risks in the final third. On the right side of midfield, or a 10, he has flourished for Liverpool in this role.
Historically he’s also ranked highly for progressive carries (although not so much this season), as well as progressive runs. Progression is the main word here, he’s all about bringing the team higher up the pitch and cutting through in dangerous areas, which is what Klopp loved about him.
Under Slot, he hasn’t had as much game time as Klopp’s last season, largely due to the system change where the only role that really suits him is stratospherically good Mo Salah’s.
Elliott’s shot volume is strong, ranking highly for shots per 90- with a range of positions that he takes up to shoot from. His ball striking is good, he registers plenty of touches in the box and his decision-making is generally great.
He’s pretty press resistant too. Ball retention is a strong part of his game and statistically and eye test wise, he’s one of the best with the ball at his feet league-wide, given his limited involvement. This stems from his comfort with both feet.
On the contrary..
He has developed physically at Liverpool, although there are limitations.
What once was a player who had an aversion to duels is now a player who has improved tremendously with his counter-pressing. That being said, he still ranks quite poorly for ground duels and aerial duels, which could be another reason Slot hasn’t given him his fair share of involvement.
His tackling is also quite poor. When engaging in duels he can be quite reserved and his positioning often puts him on the back foot, which means he often needs bailing out by a stronger duel winner. At Brighton, he would have the likes of Carlos Baleba, Mats Wieffer, but at Liverpool, he has had Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, as well as Ibrahima Konate when he steps up.
He’s had some conduct problems in the past, however from what Liverpool fans have said those days are behind him. I don’t think it’ll be an issue unless it becomes an issue, for lack of better wording. He comes across well in interviews now and seems to be far more disciplined, which is great.
All the signs pointed to him being a success in a positional play system like Slot’s, however, it hasn’t really worked out that way.
I think it’s largely come down to him not having a defined role at Liverpool. I worry that at Brighton this could be a similar story, as I don’t think RW is his best position, and unless we do transition to a 4-3-3 he will need to establish himself as that 10, which there is plenty of competition for even when you remove the obvious players that will depart this summer.
Elliott in? Or not needed?
I think Harvey Elliott is a fantastic footballer.
Do Brighton need him? I’m not so sure.
I don’t think you can deny how good he is, and with us potentially losing Joao Pedro, Julio Enciso, Matt O’Riley and Facundo Buonanotte a space in the squad will materialise, however at a reported £40 million-45 millon, it’ll cost a pretty penny.
He would be a huge statement though, and another signing to ‘take us to another level.’
What’s good now is that despite his slight physical limitations, we have players that can mitigate that, as Liverpool do. If he had signed last summer, or when our double pivot was Groß and Gilmour, I’d have had slightly more concerns. Now though, yeah sure.
With his positional versatility, it would give Fabian Hürzeler the chance to experiment too, and he would fit in well. League winning mentality is desirable.
Before I started writing this article I had more scepticism towards the move, but now having read up and watched more, I feel a lot calmer. I still don’t think it’s a pressing need until those players leave, but I’ll be excited if we get the deal over the line.
The money is there to be spent, so let’s push on.
