“NertZ: ‘Me and EliGE are aligned in the way we see CS’”

“NertZ: ‘Me and EliGE are aligned in the way we see CS’”

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NertZ on synergy with EliGE as Team Liquid regroup at PGL Masters Bucharest

During the opening Swiss-stage win for Team Liquid at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025, Israeli rifler Guy “NertZ” Iluz commented on his refreshed form and remarkable alignment with new teammate Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski. After posting a stellar 1.30 rating in the series against Legacy, NertZ reflected on the shift in his role, the adjustment under EliGE’s presence, and the team’s strategic reset. 

A strong start clean slate

Liquid opened their Bucharest campaign with a 2-1 victory over Legacy, marking a turnaround from a less polished performance at the CS Asia Championships where NertZ recorded a paltry 0.65 rating. 
In the Bucharest opener his 1.30 rating stood out as the team’s best individual number, signaling his return to impact play. He admitted to HLTV: “I’m pretty happy with the result... The last time I played against them my individual performance was very poor and now I showed that I can do better.” 

Role adaptation under EliGE’s arrival

With EliGE’s recent move to Liquid—swapping with Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken—Liquid’s structure changed dramatically. In an earlier interview, EliGE himself said: “I think we’re already speaking the same language.” 
On NertZ’s side, he explained that his role has become more defined and less free-flowing:

“On my past teams … I was the guy who was the second or third voice … Now that EliGE has joined the team … for me, it’s about the role that he has.” 
He added, regarding synergy:
“Me and EliGE are aligned in the way we see CS.” 
NertZ emphasized that whereas EliGE took over much of his former space, he accepted that shift: “He’s doing a better job than me, for sure.” 
Thus the narrative is not friction, but alignment—NertZ feels integrated into a refined role under a teammate whose leadership style complements his own.

Strategy, preparation and bigger outlook

NertZ attributed their performance against Legacy to preparation and clarity:

“We had a good game plan. We knew exactly what we were waiting for and what we needed to do … and it worked out pretty good.” 
Beyond the immediate result, he sees the Bucharest event and the team’s restructured lineup as a turning point. In past remarks from March 2025, NertZ stated: “When we have the small details and communication, we will be at the Spirit and Vitality level.”  That language now seems more credible, with Liquid’s new roster shape built around shared vision.

Why this matters

• Team identity: Liquid have undergone one of North America’s highest-profile swaps this year. Aligning around a clear vision and effective roles is crucial if they are to compete at the top tier.

• Player evolution: For NertZ, adapting to a supporting role after years as a high-usage player shows maturity. His ability to deliver under the new structure suggests the change is paying off.

• Meta relevance: The pairing of EliGE’s aggressive, high-usage style with NertZ’s refined role adaptation gives Liquid flexibility. NertZ suggests they speak the same “CS language,” giving them tactical coherence.

• Event momentum: With the PGL Major looming, Liquid need wins—particularly after inconsistent results earlier in 2025. A strong opening map and visible synergy matter for confidence and invite points.

What to watch

• Consistency of NertZ’s performance: Will he sustain the high rating shown in Bucharest? His adaptation to a slightly different role means monitoring his map-by-map output.

• Liquid’s map vetoes and play-style clarity: Are they becoming predictable under the new structure, or are they building depth? NertZ suggested their game plan execution was clean against Legacy—will that hold against deeper opposition?

• EliGE’s influence on the team: As NertZ noted, EliGE took over key voice and space. Liquid managing that transition well could define their performance through the rest of the season.

• Impact at the Major: For Liquid to justify the roster change, a deep run at the upcoming Major is essential. The synergy and alignment claimed by NertZ must convert to wins on the big stage.

Final thoughts

In NertZ’s own words: “Me and EliGE are aligned in the way we see CS.” That statement, loaded with nuance, speaks to more than just mutual respect. It signals a shared direction for Liquid—one built on role clarity, synergy, and modern FPS strategies. The immediate bounce-back from Legacy is a positive sign, but the real test looms in Bucharest and beyond. For Liquid, this could mark the transition from a talented roster to a coherent contender.