Harvey Elliott

[Venton]

You have to be able to get back to cover the defence sharpish in Klopp's system though. Not sure he has the legs to do that, I've noticed he's been late back a couple of times. That might just be getting used to the system though.

[Doc_Piptorious]

Prem is just getting faster and more physically demanding. As a winger I just don't think he has the tools, if he is played more centrally who knows. It's early days and he does have talent but we'll see how he progresses. He has done ok so far and it was great to see him get on the scoresheet vs Rangers.

Don't think anyone is suggesting he looks to have the pace to be an out and out winger though.


Playing as a wide playmaker/RAM/RM or whatever term gets used nowadays requires less pace though, as would a central AM or maybe even a support striker style role. Creativity and acceleration over three to five yards is probably more important there along with the sort of skillset to play quick and clever balls ahead of the guys looking to make a run.


Time will tell of course, but he does look to potentially have a lot of the tools needed to develop what is needed for one of the less pace/strength orientated roles.

Of course against a good team, let alone a really good one like City, I do not want to see him in either the RCM or RW role.

[danperkins]

I still do not get what you think, for him specifically, that his size and pace will be an issue. Am just curious what in particular is standing out for you that has you saying those two things are a worry potenially.

He is not usually small, he is not unusually slight and he is not unusually slow be it sprinting or accelerating from standing. Actually think his acceleration from standing is pretty good over the first five or so yards without being blistering or anything like that.

Not saying he is a nailed on to be a world beater or even to be top class, however he does look, at the age of 19, to have the tools to go on to be a solid player at the very least.

Prem is just getting faster and more physically demanding. As a winger I just don't think he has the tools, if he is played more centrally who knows. It's early days and he does have talent but we'll see how he progresses. He has done ok so far and it was great to see him get on the scoresheet vs Rangers.

[Doc_Piptorious]

I don't think he's fast enough for the premiership, that's the problem. I've seen him quite a bit and I don't think I've ever seen him beat anyone for pace. I don't think you can get away with that these days.

Depends on the position he is used in surely? And on how that position is used within the team.

As an out and out winger or as a number 8 I could see him failing, but as an AM be it a CAM or RAM or even as an RM if used wide, then blistering pace is less of a requirement compared to the ability to link play quickly, spot runs and play accurate passes.

[SB]

I don't think he's fast enough for the premiership, that's the problem. I've seen him quite a bit and I don't think I've ever seen him beat anyone for pace. I don't think you can get away with that these days.

Maybe not fast enough to play on the wing but centrally I don’t see it as so much of an issue. Thiago has made a pretty good career despite being slower than most. Acceleration over 5-10m to find space & a good reading of the game are just as important imo.

[Fivex]

Guy’s got gait tho

[Venton]

I don't think he's fast enough for the premiership, that's the problem. I've seen him quite a bit and I don't think I've ever seen him beat anyone for pace. I don't think you can get away with that these days.

[SB]

I still do not get what you think, for him specifically, that his size and pace will be an issue. Am just curious what in particular is standing out for you that has you saying those two things are a worry potenially.

He is not usually small, he is not unusually slight and he is not unusually slow be it sprinting or accelerating from standing. Actually think his acceleration from standing is pretty good over the first five or so yards without being blistering or anything like that.

Not saying he is a nailed on to be a world beater or even to be top class, however he does look, at the age of 19, to have the tools to go on to be a solid player at the very least.

Don’t knock yourself out Jaco, most ppl don’t either

The young fella handled the physicality of the Championship just fine & I don’t have any concerns for him going forward.

[Doc_Piptorious]

And more than plenty have not. He's talented and has time on his hands. Hopefully he progresses.

I still do not get what you think, for him specifically, that his size and pace will be an issue. Am just curious what in particular is standing out for you that has you saying those two things are a worry potenially.

He is not usually small, he is not unusually slight and he is not unusually slow be it sprinting or accelerating from standing. Actually think his acceleration from standing is pretty good over the first five or so yards without being blistering or anything like that.

Not saying he is a nailed on to be a world beater or even to be top class, however he does look, at the age of 19, to have the tools to go on to be a solid player at the very least.

[Daniel 7]

I'm not sure he's actually that fast, it's just his little legs have to move fast to keep up with normal Premier League pace, so it looks like he's quick. I think Jaco is probably right that the 433 and playing on the right of central midfield isn't right for him, a completely free role behind the striker in a 4231 would probably be best, but didn't we have exactly this issue with Shaq? Difference is Elliott isn't as stocky and pumped up as Shaq.

I'm not convinced.

[Rich]

He's small and not fast, so he really needs to work on his strength to make sure he's stronger on the ball. I'm sure the fitness coaches will be looking at that.

[danperkins]

Why?

Plenty of guys with his pace, his height and general size/weight that are excellent footballers in the PL and in other top leagues.

He is still only 19 and will only get physically stronger in the coming years so he adds that and a bit more positional awareness (which will probably come too), and there is no reason why he cannot do very well in certain positions.

And more than plenty have not. He's talented and has time on his hands. Hopefully he progresses.

[Doc_Piptorious]

Molby had great command of the centre circle.
It wouldn't be a bad idea to have someone cover that area these days.

Thiago and Molby in the centre.

Someone nicks a goal in the first minute then just give the ball to Thiago and Molby to pass the ball between themselves for the remaining 89 minutes.

Have Alonso in the middle with them if we want to to be certain.

[baitman]

Hmmm Remeber Jan Molby ? Size and Pace..As long as you have a footballing brain that's all you need!

Molby had great command of the centre circle.
It wouldn't be a bad idea to have someone cover that area these days.

[Doc_Piptorious]

Maybe as a #10 is where his future lies...... In a 4231

Looks made for a role that like be it in a 433 with the middle three playing in a triangle the AM at the top, or in your 4231 or a 4411.


Also wonder if he might develop to be able to play in a similar role to Peter Beardsley (when Beardsley played in a Support striker/CF/AM type role rather than the times when Kenny tried him in a three man attack in a 433.)