Harvey Elliott believes he has been given a second chance at Liverpool following the arrival of Andoni Iraola, after a difficult loan spell at Aston Villa last season. The 23-year-old midfielder is back with the Reds for pre-season and has already featured for his new head coach as he looks to make an impression.
Elliott made just one Premier League start during his time at Villa Park, managing nine appearances in all competitions. A clause in his loan agreement meant a tenth appearance would have triggered a £35m permanent transfer, and he was frequently left out of squads under Unai Emery.
The former Fulham youngster had started only twice in the Premier League for Liverpool under Arne Slot during their title-winning campaign, and he acknowledged that the lack of game time cost him any chance of making Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad. He is now determined to re-establish himself at Anfield.
Speaking about his situation, Elliott said: "Unfortunately, it didn't work out, but the way I see it is that's last season now, I'm here. It's kind of a second chance, if you want to call it. Especially with the gaffer and new coaching staff coming in. It's another chance to impress and hopefully get in their (good) books."
He added: "Mentally, it was a very tough one. As I said, it was a learning curve. It was an opportunity for me to experience something new, as much as I didn't want to do it, and I don't wish it upon any other player, because it's not nice at all, but I have no hard feelings." Elliott was part of Villa's Europa League-winning squad and described it as a historical moment, but his focus is firmly on the upcoming season at Liverpool.
