Image Credits: Imago Images
Harvey Elliott’s move to Aston Villa was meant to be a springboard, offering the 22-year-old regular football and a fresh bid to impress ahead of England’s World Cup campaign.
Instead, it’s become a period of frustration and uncertainty for the Liverpool loanee, who finds himself struggling for minutes and out of favour at Villa Park just two months after sealing a season-long switch.
Elliott joined Villa on deadline day, hungry for a bigger role after barely featuring at Liverpool and seeing the club add further attacking reinforcements over the summer
Named Player of the Tournament for England’s U21s as they won the U21 European Championship in the summer, he was determined to kick on at club level, especially after opportunities dried up at Anfield behind a star-studded cast.
However, Elliott’s time with the Midlands side has been challenging.
Despite scoring on his first start, he has quickly slipped down Unai Emery’s pecking order, overtaken by the likes of Emiliano Buendia and current midfield starters Morgan Rogers, John McGinn, and Youri Tielemans.
Villa’s sharp upturn in form has only made it harder, restricting Elliott to a handful of appearances, most as a substitute, and leaving him outside the matchday squad in recent Premier League games.
Fabrizio Romano has already reported that Elliott “is not happy with his situation at Villa Park.
But crucially for the 22-year-old, he appears set to remain at Villa for the remainder of the season.
The Athletic has reported that there is no January recall clause in his loan contract, and neither Liverpool nor Villa have suggested they plan to end the agreement early.
Barring a dramatic turn, Elliott will have to battle for his chance at Villa Park, hoping his patience and perseverance eventually pay off.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.