Harvey Elliott’s future at Liverpool looks much more clear after Andoni Iraola’s latest comments
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As he spoke to the gathered press following Liverpool’s pre-season win over Wrexham on Thursday in New York, Harvey Elliott made it clear that he is very much open to restarting his career at Anfield under Andoni Iraola.“This is kind of a second chance, especially with the new gaffer,” the 23-year-old said. “Hopefully I can get in his good books.”Iraola has been impressed by Elliott since reporting for training in early July, and after the Spanish coach confirmed where he is planning to use Florian Wirtz this season, it looks like the best plan for everyone could be to hand Elliott a clear and defined role as the German’s back-up in 2026/27.
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Sarah Stier/FIFA Elliott can have a set role as Florian Wirtz’s back-upPart of Elliott’s problem over the past six or seven years has been that he has not nailed down any one position at Liverpool.Perhaps not robust or athletic enough to be a midfielder, but not quick enough to play out wide, it has been hard for the former Fulham youngster to carve out his niche.This has often led to him filling in wherever needed, and while that can sometimes be good for a young player in getting them more minutes, it can also be detrimental at a certain point. 10 in Wirtz.Photo by Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Andoni Iraola sounds like he wants a four-man Liverpool attack featuring Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz“I see him more probably in that position behind the striker,” Iraola said of the Germany star on Thursday.
Even when Wirtz is unavailable or rested, it makes sense for the Reds to keep the same system, and that is where Elliott can really benefit.Elliott can still get a good number of gamesNot only will having a defined role allow Elliott to know exactly where he stands at Liverpool this season, but it would also mean he gets the chance to play consistently in what is definitely his best position.Under Jurgen Klopp and during his season with Arne Slot, Liverpool did not play to Elliott’s strengths in that there was no real place for a player like him or Wirtz. 10 role for the Reds if Wirtz is missing, Elliott is the most easily comparable player to the £116m in the squad.With so many games to be played, Wirtz is not going to be on the teamsheet in all of them, and sticking Elliott in instead will allow Iraola to keep the same framework in his XI.Obviously, this will not be a starting role, and it may be that Elliott decides he needs more guarantees of regular time in the starting line up at this stage of his career.But if he is happy to give it one more roll of the dice, he could be about to play the biggest part in a Liverpool squad during his Reds career to date.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox