Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott is facing a wait to get his opportunity to shine for Valencia, as the Spanish outfit finally got back to winning ways on Tuesday
Harvey Elliott has had a difficult start to life with Valencia
Harvey Elliott has had a difficult start to life with Valencia(Image: Getty Images)
Harvey Elliott has been made to wait longer for his chance to shine at Valencia, though the mood around the club may be a little better after his side's midweek action.
The Liverpool loanee moved to La Liga late in the summer transfer window, sealing a loan deal to rebuild his career after a tough year at Aston Villa.
However, Elliott has walked into a difficult situation. Valencia picked up just one point from its opening five games in the league, which put it at the bottom of the table and forced fans into protest against the coaching staff, players, and the owners.
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Shortly after making his first two appearances from the bench, the hierarchy decided to remove head coach Carlos Corberan, putting the B team manager Oscar Sanchez in charge while a replacement is being searched for.
Only a few days had passed since that change in the dugout, and the soccer action was back underway again. Valencia faced off with Alaves on Tuesday, in a league clash that the side simply had to win.
In the end, a goal from Luis Rioja in the 78th minute was enough for the team to snatch a win, finally adding three points to the board and lifting them off the foot of the table.
Elliott suffered a tough year at Aston Villa last season
Elliott suffered a tough year at Aston Villa last season(Image: Getty)
Elliott, however, was snubbed. The Liverpool loanee didn't start the game, and unlike the previous two encounters, he was unable to get any minutes from the bench, with the interim head coach seemingly opting for other players to make an impact instead.
It means the 23-year-old will have to wait longer for his opportunity to shine, but when he does get it, he may be coming into a team that is more settled and less chaotic, after a frantic start to the season so far.
Following that tough start, interim boss Sanchez detailed the feeling within the squad, telling the local media: "A lot of happiness. It's the dream debut, but more than happy for myself, I'm happy for the people of Valencia, who are suffering, for the players, who don't want to be in this situation.
"My personal life is secondary right now, and I'm very happy for the fans and, above all, for the players."
It sounds much more like an environment that Elliott could thrive in, should Valencia string together a few wins, after the difficulties he has faced over the past year.
It remains to be seen when the midfielder's chance will come, though, with a tough clash at home to Real Sociedad up next before a three-week international break that will give him and his team a chance to reflect on a challenging few weeks to start the season.
An important run of matches will then follow before the November international break, where Elliott will truly look to cement a place in the team.