Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott impressed the Spanish media with an impactful substitute appearance as Valencia fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against Racing Santander
Harvey Elliott is starting to win over his critics in Spain
Harvey Elliott is starting to win over his critics in Spain(Image: Getty Images)
Harvey Elliott has earned his first praise from the Spanish press following his contribution to Valencia's hard-fought point against Racing Santander.
The glowing assessments marked a significant shift from their earlier views of the English midfielder, who had previously been labeled "out of shape" and was said to need to "do more" for the side. Valencia entered the international break sitting in the relegation zone, but the appointment of new head coach Javier Aguirre offered fresh optimism to the club.
Valencia claimed a 2-2 draw against Racing through goals from Dani Raba and David Otorbi. Otorbi's strike arrived mere minutes following Elliott's introduction from the bench, with his display earning plaudits from numerous Spanish publications.
Sport reported that the tactical adjustment when the Liverpool loanee entered the fray enabled Valencia to "recover" from trailing 2-1.
While Hugo Duro "squandered" an excellent opportunity to secure all three points, Otorbi was celebrated as among the standout performers alongside Elliott.
The publication awarded the 23-year-old a 7/10 rating and suggested his introduction "helped change Valencia's offensive rhythm."
Elliott proved "very dangerous" and demonstrated his "technical quality" through some "excellent" skills.
Elliott is currently on loan at Valencia
Elliott is currently on loan at Valencia(Image: Getty Images)
Sport argued he provided the side with "imagination, mobility and solutions on the ball" and ranked among the leading performers alongside Javi Guerra.
Mundo Deportivo shared this assessment of Elliott, noting Valencia "got back into the game" once he appeared in the second period.
Marca awarded the midfielder a 6/10 rating, suggesting the draw represented a "fair reflection" of the contest, despite Duro squandering a clear-cut chance in stoppage time.
Cadena Ser noted that Aguirre "shook things up" by introducing Elliott in pursuit of an equalizer, and the tactical switch "paid off" ultimately.
The Valencia manager also had his own thoughts on Elliott, praising the midfielder's contributions since joining the squad. Aguirre said: "I saw him, Raba, and Elliott doing very well since I arrived."
Emphasizing the 23-year-old's influence as a substitute, the boss continued: "The 2-1 scoreline hurt us a lot. Things got ugly then, but we brought on players from outside the team, we showed solidarity as a unit, and we demonstrated that we have a chance to win, but the draw is fair."
Valencia continues to occupy 19th position in La Liga but is now merely three points adrift of ninth-placed Celta Vigo, indicating it could swiftly reverse its fortunes under its new manager.