Harvey Elliott made his debut for Aston Villa against Everton on Saturday
Aston Villa midfielder Harvey Elliott
Aston Villa midfielder Harvey Elliott(Image: Getty Images)
Harvey Elliott isn’t expecting to walk straight into the Aston Villa starting XI and is relishing the challenge of competing for a place - just as he did at Liverpool.
The 22-year-old made his Villa debut on Saturday, coming off the bench in the second half of a 0-0 draw against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Emi Buendía made way for Elliott in the 71st minute, but Villa were on the back foot late in the game as Everton pushed for what would have been their third successive win.
After holding on for a point, Villa now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup, with a trip to Brentford offering an opportunity for Unai Emery’s side to claim their first win - and first goal - of the campaign.
Elliott could make his first start in claret and blue, already feeling integrated into the squad after spending the past fortnight working under Emery.
“He’s told me the ins and outs of where he wants me to be and play,” Elliott said of the Villa boss. “I’ve been with them throughout the whole international break, so I’ve had a few weeks to integrate myself into the team, the style of play, and understand what’s going on.
“Everyone around me so far at Aston Villa has been so welcoming - the way they’ve looked after me, from the teammates to the coaching staff and the fans as well. Everyone’s made me feel very welcome and like one of their own instantly.
“I just really hope we can kick on from here. We’ve got a tough period coming up with two more away games, including the cup midweek, so it’s going to be a busy period for us.
“It’s a lot of travelling, but we need to keep fighting - especially for the fans - give them what they deserve, which is three points. We need to fight as much as we can for them, and I’m sure the results will start coming our way soon.”
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He added: “It’s going to be very hard coming into a team with incredible players. There are players still out injured as well, like Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara. A few other lads, I think, got knocks today [vs. Everton].
“So there’s quality all around the team, and it’s going to be hard, but I like the process of having to work to get into a really good team. I face that challenge again with Villa. It’s not going to be a walk in the park where I come in and be in the position. I need to fight for the badge and showcase what I can do on the pitch.”
In his first interview after joining Villa, Elliott revealed that Emery blew him away during their conversations prior to him signing the deal.
Although currently on loan, the midfielder is set to join permanently, with Villa having agreed to a £35 million obligation to buy.
“I think it’s just his commitment to football, you know, and his energy, his passion,” Elliott said about what makes Emery special. “It’s his detail as well, and the heart he has for all of us. The first time I ever spoke to him, I was blown away by the way he was and what he had to say about me.
“As the weeks have gone on, you see it more and more. He’s a very loving figure; he’s always looking out for you and making sure you’re OK. He does the best he can to help you as a player.
“I think working under him is going to be the best thing for me, as long as he trusts me. That’s all that matters. I want to put everything on the pitch for him and work as hard as I can for him.”
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