Liverpool's Harvey Elliott: “I'm Learning to Click With Florian Wirtz”

Harvey Elliott Finds His Rhythm and Chemistry in Pre-Season Debut, And is “Learning to Have That Relationship With Florian Wirtz”

After a well-earned summer break following his impressive role in England’s U21 Euros triumph, Harvey Elliott is back in Liverpool red and already showing signs that he’s ready to pick up where he left off.

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Elliott returned to the pitch on Saturday in Hong Kong, starting in Liverpool’s friendly against AC Milan. Although the result didn’t fall in the Reds’ favour as Slot’s men were beaten 4-2, the 21-year-old midfielder left the field encouraged by his performance, fitness, and most intriguingly, a blossoming on-field connection with new signing Florian Wirtz.

“It’s always hard to get the balance of how much time you have off, how much time you really put into training,” Elliott admitted to Liverpoolfc.com after the game. “I was away with the Euros for four-and-a-half weeks… very demanding. But I feel sharp now.”

And that sharpness showed in his 45-minute display, operating in a creative No.10 role alongside Wirtz. The pair, despite playing together for the first time, quickly found a rhythm—one that Elliott hopes to build on throughout the rest of pre-season.

Harvey Elliott had an impressive role in England’s U21 Euros triumph.

“I think it was just learning to have that relationship with Flo,” Elliott explained. “When one drops, one stays high… I think we had a really good relationship for the first time playing with each other. It clicked really well.”

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The heat and humidity in Hong Kong may have made for tough conditions, but Elliott was unfazed. “At half-time, when we came off, I felt like I could go on and still try to influence the game.”

While the result wasn’t ideal, Elliott saw the bigger picture. With Arne Slot experimenting with unfamiliar formations and shifting player roles, the focus remains firmly on growth, chemistry, and rhythm, key pillars ahead of a demanding 2025-26 season.

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“We just need to learn from it, reflect and take the positives,” he said. “There were loads of moments in the game where it was really, really good… in a formation we’re not used to.”

Harvey Elliott continues to be linked with a move away, but the English midfielder would love to remain at Anfield.

Off the pitch, speculation swirls about his future. Several tabloids have linked Elliott with a possible move away, suggesting the club may consider cashing in to fund the signing of Newcastle United's Alexander Isak. But as of now, nothing concrete has emerged.

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Time will tell whether there’s any real substance behind those rumours.