Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has publicly discussed the challenging start to Harvey Elliott's loan spell from Liverpool, with the midfielder struggling to secure a consistent place in the team.
The Stipulations of the Loan Deal
The 22-year-old moved to Villa Park during the summer transfer window, hoping for regular first-team football. However, his opportunities have been limited. Elliott needs to make five more appearances to activate a compulsory £35million permanent transfer to the Midlands club, a clause that has sparked discussion amongst fans and pundits alike.
This situation leads to questions over whether Villa might be hesitant to select him to avoid triggering the expensive fee. Emery, however, has been quick to deflect any blame from the player himself.
Emery's Defence and Squad Competition
Ahead of Villa's Sunday clash with Leeds United, Emery explained the reasoning behind Elliott's omissions. He pointed to the need for adaptation time and the fierce competition for places within his squad. 'Some players need more time. We can speak about Emiliano Buendia who struggled last year. Elliott is working very well,' the manager stated.
He further elaborated on the midfielder's attitude, praising his professionalism. 'His commitment is fantastic. I'm happy with his work but it's difficult as other players are performing well,' Emery added, making it clear that Elliott's situation is a matter of selection policy, not a reflection of his efforts in training.
Buendia's Resurgence and Elliott's Future
When asked if Emiliano Buendia's impressive return to form was the primary factor, Emery confirmed it was part of a broader picture. 'It is everything, because the adaptation is something that some players need more than others,' he said, highlighting the collective demand for high performance.
Emery went out of his way to credit Buendia for his remarkable comeback from a serious knee injury. 'Everything that happened around him, he deserved it because he worked hard to recover his best form,' the Villa boss remarked, expressing his confidence in the Argentine's abilities.
For Elliott, the path forward is less certain. He has made five appearances so far, scoring once in the Carabao Cup. His involvement in the Premier League and Europa League has been minimal, and he was an unused substitute in the recent victory over Bournemouth. With the terms of his loan deal now public knowledge, all eyes will be on the team sheet for the Leeds match to see if his situation changes.
