"Going to be our starboy", "Ballon d'Or season is upon us" - Fans hail Liverpool star for his POTM performance in 2-1 win against Arsenal

Liverpool fans have waxed lyrical about Harvey Elliott on X after he had an outstanding performance in their 2-1 win against Arsenal in their pre-season friendly (July 31). The 21-year-old had the highest match rating of 8.5, as per FotMob, and will seek to carry this form into the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.

Elliott was deployed into the starting XI by Arne Slot, operating as the Reds' No.10. He took full advantage of this by assisting Mohamed Salah in the 13th minute to break the deadlock. The England U21 international got his second assist of the game in the 34th minute, elegantly chipping the ball over Arsenal's entire backline into the path of Fabio Carvalho, who made no mistake to make it 2-0.

Kai Havertz brought one back six minutes later with a close-range finish but Liverpool hung on to their lead to secure an impressive 2-1 win.

Elliott had a sensational game during his 72 minutes on the pitch. In addition to his two assists, he also created four chances, completed 25 out of 28 passes with an accuracy of 89 percent, and accurately completed both of his long balls.

One Liverpool fan reacted by posting:

"Elliott at 10 role he’s going to be our starboy and everyone will see substantially improve performance from him this season."

Another fan wrote:

"Elliott Ballon d’Or season is upon us."

Other fan reactions can be seen below:

"Elliott will cook this season," one fan predicted.

"After this Arsenal game. My bold take is that this season is going to be Harvey Elliott’s year," one fan tweeted.

"Harvey Elliott such an under appreciated player. Hopefully we can see him continuing to shine this season and get the proper recognition he deserves. Propa baller," another added.

"Elliott is world class, big season coming up," one fan posted.

"I can see why Fabio Carvalho said Arne Slot asked him to play on the wings eventhough he says he plays best at 10. It’s because of Harvey Elliott. He is perfect in that playmaker role. Drifting in and making plays. 4 chances created (most in half) & 2 assists," another chimed in.

"Harvey Elliott. Last season was a taster of his ability, Arne Slot will take him to the another level," another predicted.

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"I am a bit hard on him" - Liverpool boss Arne Slot insists Harvey Elliott could have 'done better' in 2-1 win against Arsenal

Liverpool manager Arne Slot reckons Harvey Elliott could have done better in two to three different situations, admitting he is hard on the 21-year-old at times. Despite this, the Dutchman was also quick to praise Elliott for his impact on the game and two assists.

During the post-match press conference, Slot stated (via Liverpool's official website):

"He had two great assists, but what I believe is that the team created these assists for him as well. Playing out from the back, getting him in the right positions – or another No.10. Then it is up to him to bring the most of these situations and he did that today with two assists."

He added:

"If I am a bit hard on him, I think there were two or three other situations where he could have done better. But that's what the team is doing for him; we make sure he and the other ones like Mo and like Fabio come in the right positions where they can show their quality. Harvey did that today with two good assists."

Elliott had a good 2023-24 season under Jurgen Klopp, garnering four goals and 11 assists in 53 appearances across competitions. However, it already appears he is set to thrive even more under Slot's tactics as an out-and-out No.10.

Liverpool next face Manchester United in a friendly on Saturday, August 3.