Harvey Elliott is facing a crucial international break as he looks to kickstart his career
Harvey Elliott
Spanish media reckon Harvey Elliott is out of shape(Image: Getty Images)
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Harvey Elliott has been given the international break to get fit after being accused of being "overweight" by Spanish media. Following his disastrous loan to Aston Villa, the Liverpool midfielder joined Valencia for the season.
However, the La Liga club have reportedly been left surprised by the player's condition and will use the extended international window to get him up to speed. Spanish media have been especially blunt about Elliott.
While acknowledging that he didn't have a proper pre-season, Marca branded him "overweight", "out of shape" and "willing but unable" to put in a proper shift. The title said: "He went through an unconventional pre-season, and now he is paying the price for it.
"This has been evident in the matches he has played for Valencia: against Barcelona (36 minutes), Sevilla (28 minutes) and Real Sociedad (21 minutes). He didn't even get on the pitch against Alaves due to the demands of the match."
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Marca added that he must treat the current pause in club action like a pre-season, suggesting that he will have no excuses when Valencia - currently second-bottom after six games - return to action at Racing Santander on October 11.
Harvey Elliott playing for Liverpool
Elliott didn't have a full pre-season with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
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It said: "He isn't shining because he is not fit. He arrived well above his optimal playing weight, and now is the time for him to get back into shape.
"This period is essentially a 'pre-season' tailored for him, a time when he, more than most, should be taking full advantage of a schedule that sees no matches played for three weeks.
"The player needed a radical change of scenery, and La Liga and Valencia offered a good opportunity for a fresh start. However, for the moment, he is paying the price for his fitness level. Now, he must give his all over the next three weeks to reach the optimal level where he can truly contribute to the team."
Harvey Elliott at Aston Villa
Elliott had a wasted season at Aston Villa(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
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Marca also said that as the third-highest-paid player in the squad, he should be "held to a higher standard," with cash-strapped Valencia "paying almost his entire Premier League salary."
Elliott desperately needs to get his career back on track following a wasted season at Villa. He was limited to just nine appearances for Unai Emery's side after they opted against triggering a clause that would have obliged them to sign him for £35million after 10 games.