Unai Emery explains the reasons behind Harvey Elliott’s lack of playing time

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Harvey Elliott’s move to Aston Villa on loan from Liverpool was meant to give the young midfielder regular Premier League minutes. Emery’s squad has several players who can operate as a No.

Villa’s fixtures have also seen Elliott left out of the squads against big teams, such as Manchester City and Bournemouth, and he was ineligible to play against Liverpool due to Premier League rules. He explained via Birmingham Live, “He had an injury for 10 months, and after he was training with us.” “He needed time to get in everything – good, mentally, physically confident.” “He struggled last year and all the season, firstly with us for six months, not getting his performance and not playing consistently and not feeling really good.” “When he was on loan in Germany, with Bayer Leverkusen, he didn’t achieve his confidence.” “He didn’t achieve minutes.” “He didn’t achieve numbers to recover himself, like a player he is.” “This year is completely different.” “He started so focused.” “He started the season very demanding, getting fit, feeling confident, playing with his skills, showing in each match he played in pre-season.” “Everything that happened around him, he deserved it because he worked hard to recover his best form as a player like he had before he was here.” “When we decided to keep him here, and he decided to stay here as well, I was confident he could get the numbers he is achieving.” Regarding Elliott’s attitude, Emery was clear, “Harvey Elliott, he is working very well.” “He is working consistently.” “He is a good guy and his commitment to Aston Villa is fantastic.” “I am happy how he is doing his work here, but now it is difficult because he has other players playing and performing well, for example Emi Buendia and other players.” From a Liverpool perspective, Elliott’s loan has shown that talent alone isn’t enough.

Emery’s comments suggest that while Elliott is committed and working hard, breaking into a settled Villa midfield will take patience and persistence. Harvey Elliott Unai Emery