Harvey Elliott of Liverpool applauds the travelling fans after the Premier League match Leicester City vs Liverpool at King Power Stadium, Leicester, United Kingdom, 20th April 2025 (Photo by Alfie Cosgrove/News Images)
Harvey Elliott of Liverpool applauds the travelling fans after the Premier League match Leicester City vs Liverpool at King Power Stadium, Leicester, United Kingdom, 20th April 2025 (Photo by Alfie Cosgrove/News Images)
Harvey Elliott marked his first start for Valencia with a goal as they secured a comfortable 6-0 victory over sixth-tier side Tavernes de la Valldigna in the first round of the Copa del Rey on Tuesday.
The Liverpool loanee was included in the starting XI for the first time since joining the Spanish club, having previously managed just 152 minutes across six La Liga appearances, all from the bench.
Elliott joined Valencia after discussions with Carlos Corberan, who was subsequently sacked following a poor start to the season. His early months at the club were also affected by concerns over his fitness, with MARCA reporting that he arrived above his optimal playing weight.
Things became more difficult on October 24 when he was sent off against Villarreal. The midfielder came on in the 70th minute but received a second yellow card for dissent in the 89th, marking the first red card of his career.
Valencia subsequently lost 2-1 after conceding a stoppage-time winner, with head coach Javier Aguirre describing Elliott’s dismissal as “absurd, ridiculous”.
The 23-year-old missed the trip to Elche through suspension before remaining an unused substitute in the 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid on November 7.
However, he was handed an opportunity to make an impression against Tavernes, with Valencia winning 6-0 at Mestalla despite being designated as the away team.
Elliott scored the fourth goal with a free-kick in the 23rd minute, opening his account for the club.
He also completed the full 90 minutes, his first full appearance in a competitive match since January, when he played for Aston Villa against Salzburg in the Europa League.
Speaking after the cup victory, Aguirre discussed the Liverpool midfielder’s performance and where he could fit into his plans.
“A good player can play anywhere,” the Valencia coach said. “You can put him in midfield or on the wing.
“He’s not entirely comfortable out wide, so I see him playing closer to the box. Everyone wants to play, and that speaks to the team’s spirit.”
“He came over and apologised to the group and to me after his red card in LaLiga; he felt terrible. He said he didn’t understand why he was sent off, partly because he barely speaks Spanish,” the coach explained.
“I think that today [Tuesday], in front of the fans, he showed his genuine remorse. He’s a very decent person and a great player. I truly hope we can integrate him into the squad, help him feel comfortable, and get the kind of football we expect from him.”
Elliott had previously apologised publicly on Instagram, writing: “I made a mistake and I’m truly sorry. It won’t happen again.”
Before Tuesday’s match, Aguirre had also praised the midfielder’s attitude towards working on areas of his game that needed improvement.
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