Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott has reiterated he just wants to help the Reds win as many games as he can, even if that means coming off the bench.
The 21-year-old was Liverpool’s match-winner off the bench in their dramatic 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League earlier this week, a game in which the Reds were battered for almost the entire game. Arne Slot’s side rode their luck, with a stellar performance between the sticks from goalkeeper Alisson helping them claim a win in the first leg of their round of 16 Champions League tie.
The other hero of the night was Elliott, who came off the bench to score the Reds winner late on.
Fast forward to Saturday, and Elliott once again found himself on the bench amongst the Liverpool substitutes for their clash against Southampton.
However, with the Reds 1-0 down to at halftime to the Saints, Slot rang the changes, bringing on Elliott, Alexis Mac Allister and Andy Robertson in place of Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas.
It was a decision that immediately paid dividends for the Reds, who scored a quickfire double thanks to goals from Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah to take the lead in the contest, which finished 3-1 to Liverpool.
(Image: Xavier Laine/Getty Images)
Speaking after the game to BBC Radio 5Live, Elliott, who may have felt aggrieved not to be starting following his PSG heroics, dispelled any of those thoughts. “In my eyes, it’s just my job to come on and influence the game where I can,” said Elliott.
“The last two games have been very tough – it is not about me, it’s about the whole team.
“It was an intense game. Especially with the travel, we only had one day to prepare for this game and hats off to Southampton – they made it tough throughout the whole game.
Elliott added: “We need to keep winning games – it’s as simple as that. It’s about taking it game-by-game and making sure we apply ourselves in the best possible way.”
Liverpool.com says: “It speaks volumes that Slot has fostered an environment where every single player is pulling in the right direction heading into the business end of the season. Liverpool could achieve something special this term, and it will need players like Elliott to make an impact off the bench.
“Their first potential silverware is up for grabs next weekend in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle and they look a certainty to lift the Premier League come the end of the season.”
