Harvey Elliott is thrilled with new Liverpool manager Arne Slot's "elegant" style of play, which he admits is "a lot different" to Jurgen Klopp's.
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Slot ushering in a new era at AnfieldHis philosophy is in stark contrast to Klopp'sElliott relishing the new playing styleWHAT HAPPENED?
Elliott played a key role in Liverpool's 1-0 victory over Real Betis, which marked the beginning of their United States tour. The 21-year-old midfielder is enjoying Slot's possession-based style, which is a major shift from Klopp's high-intensity pressing football.
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Speaking ahead of an upcoming friendly match against Arsenal at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Elliott shared his insights on the team's adaptation to Slot's methods.
"It's very elegant, Dutch style, it's very nice. The style of play is a lot different. It's more about in possession now," he told reporters. "The players are excited, we play certain patterns, it is a good buzz around the team and the lads are excited to apply it in games.
"It's a fresh start for everyone. I don't think it is nerves but excitement. I think we [will learn it] very quickly to be honest. We have seen in the last game there were certain moments where the amazing football was free-flowing.
"It's pre-season and it is only the first couple of games and we need to keep trusting what they are teaching us. We need to keep going if things don't work out [immediately] because it is all new."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Against Real Betis, Slot deployed two number 10s, Elliott alongside Dominik Szoboszlai, a role necessitated by the absence of Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota. The manager later indicated that he sees Elliott and Szoboszlai competing for the attacking midfielder position as this No.10 role will be pivotal in his system.
When asked if this new role could pave the way for his senior England debut, Elliott responded with determination. "I hope so. It's just down to me to put in the work, put in the performances," he said. "You can say it all you want but it is down to me to work as hard as I can and perform in training and games, so it is on myself. There's no one I could blame apart from me. I just wanted to come back early to get to grips with the new style of play and meet the coaching staff and gaffer for the first time. It gives me a chance to get up and running in pre-season. I feel like I've done that. I just need to keep going and building."
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The renewed focus on possession and creativity under Slot's management has given Elliott a platform to showcase his talents. He hopes to secure a regular starting spot when the competitive fixtures kick off by impressing the Dutch manager during Liverpool's remaining pre-season friendlies against Arsenal, Manchester United and Sevilla.