When Harvey Elliott scored the goal that sank PSG right at the home ground of young master Paris, the emotional burst could not be fully imagined. Liverpool played their worst match of the season, under pressure throughout the match and only had one shot on target. However, more than 20 shots by PSG could not trouble Alisson and as soon as Elliott's shot was needed, everything was settled.
At Parc des Princes at that time, there were about 2,000 Liverpool fans but the heat from them was clearly felt. The Kop fans were driven by Elliott's goal because they not only drew, but even won in a match that was completely overwhelmed.
"You can't think about scoring from the first touch but it went perfect for me. Darwin Nunez's pass was great and I just needed to finish accurately" - Elliott shared with Liverpool TV after the match.
Although not a player to be liquidated by Liverpool, this season has been very difficult for Elliott. Before Christmas, he suffered a broken foot injury and had to miss nearly 3 months. When he recovered, Liverpool's squad operated stably, so the striker's playing opportunities decreased.
After starting 27 games in all competitions under Jurgen Klopp in the 2023-24 season, Elliott has only started four times under Slot. Those 4 times did not have any Premier League matches, it all came in domestic cups and the Champions League qualifying round match against PSV. Even in the recent tourmalet, when Liverpool had to play 5 Premier League matches in 15 days, Elliott was only able to come off the bench in the match against Manchester City.
The midfield trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are indispensable in the way Arne Slot operates. In addition, Curtis Jones also played excellently when required, so Harvey Elliott's chance was very low. The remaining position he can play is the right winger being held back by Mohamed Salah.
Since moving to Liverpool in 2019 from Fulham, it was not until this time that rumors about Elliott's future began to come. There have been reports that Elliott will be sold this summer, but for the English star, his journey at Anfield has not easily stopped there at just 21 years old.
"I always want to play in the Champions League. Although I only played 5 minutes against PSG, I came on and wanted to help the team as much as possible.
"You just need small moments to make your confidence bigger and better. The coach has his own decision-making and strategy and you have to respect that as a player," Elliott said.
Despite being given few opportunities, Harvey Elliott has scored in 3 consecutive appearances in the Champions League. This was the first time in his career that he has achieved this index, after also scoring against Lille and PSV in the qualifying round.
"I understand that sometimes he feels frustrated because his playing time is not as expected. Elliott is a good player but is competing with other stars who are regularly in the starting lineup.
Dominik Szoboszlai is always the one who never stops. He is also very good at scoring and is very important for Liverpool. As for Mo Salah, that is natural. Therefore, Elliott has limited playing time but he is forced to continue to make efforts" - Arne Slot shared.
Liverpool had a 1-0 advantage in the first leg away from home, but the 1-goal gap was too dangerous. In this season's Champions League, Liverpool beat the Spanish, German, English and French champions and did not concede any goals. Arne Slot's team is making steady progress in the journey to the throne.
