Harvey Elliott makes ‘upsetting’ Liverpool transfer admission and explains what must happen next
Harvey Elliott believes Liverpool players have to step up after key departures – but is ready for the competition for places in midfield
Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott sits on the bench alongside Darwin Nunez during the Premier League game against Bournemouth at Anfield on August 19 2023
Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott sits on the bench alongside Darwin Nunez during the Premier League game against Bournemouth at Anfield on August 19 2023
Harvey Elliott admits it was “upsetting” to see so many big leaders leave the Liverpool dressing room this summer – but has welcomed the increased competition for places in midfield.
Jordan Henderson and James Milner, who were long-time captain and vice-captain respectively, have both departed while mainstays Fabinho and Roberto Firmino were also among those leaving.
Virgil van Dijk has since been appointed skipper with Trent Alexander-Arnold next in line, while Mohamed Salah has been promoted to the ‘leadership group’ to also join Andy Robertson and Alisson Becker.
But Elliott believes the entire squad must now take on extra responsibility as the Reds look to extend their 13-game unbeaten run when they travel to Newcastle United on Sunday.
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“Big leaders have left our team and as upsetting as it is to see them go, it’s now time for other people to step up and make sure that they’re the leader on the pitch,” said the 20-year-old. “We’re all going to have to play our part in each and every game. It’s just making sure we stick together as a team and not get on each other’s backs.
“We all need to be leaders and we all need to keep driving the team forward and making sure we’re pushing one another to get across the line. For me this season, it’s just about kicking on and being a better person, being a better player and take my game to the next level, which is what I’m trying to improve on.”
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has overseen a major overhaul of the midfield, with Japan international Wataru Endo last week joining earlier summer signings Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. Elliott has made two impressive cameos from the bench already this campaign and is pressing for a start at St James’ Park.
And speaking to liverpoolfc.com, he said: “It’s world-class players in the team so for each and every person it’s going to be that competition, which is a healthy one. I don’t feel like there’s anyone here (that) if someone else is playing they’re going to be downhearted and going to be annoyed and not try to support that person or the team.
“It must have been a crazy few days for him (Wataru Endo) – a new place to live, new surroundings again. With these new players, we just need to make sure that we bed them in well and make them feel at home because we’ve all been there at some point and we all got the same treatment, so it’ll be wrong if we didn’t give that to the new players.
“They’re part of us now, they’re part of the team and we need them. It’s just down to us to make sure they’re happy, they’re excited to come in to train and show them the true Liverpool meaning, which is a family. We just want to make sure they get the best experience here.”
*Liverpool are next in action away at Newcastle on Sunday. Sign up for the latest Sky Sports packages HERE to watch it
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