Harvey Elliott was back at Liverpool's training ground this week after spending last season on loan at Aston Villa. The 23-year-old midfielder is now under the watch of new head coach Andoni Iraola, who has indicated that every player will get a chance to prove themselves.
Iraola Oversees Training Session
Ahead of pre-season commencing next week, Iraola was at the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday. Alongside Elliott, Stefan Bajcetic, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, Wataru Endo and Giovanni Leoni were all present, as they continued their recovery from injury. Iraola is expected to run the rule over all his new players, with everyone having a clean slate to make a first impression.
Elliott's Recent Career
Elliott was a regular fixture under Jurgen Klopp, featuring in the German's squad for the final few years of his reign. After Arne Slot took charge in the summer of 2024, Elliott found his opportunities limited. He made 28 appearances under the Dutchman, a major step down from the 53 and 46 he made in the two previous campaigns under Klopp.
After winning the Premier League title under Slot, the England midfielder was loaned to Aston Villa in September 2025. However, after agreeing a £35million obligation to buy the England international, subject to him playing 10 Premier League games for Villa, he played just nine times for the Midlands outfit and was left out of the squad for much of the season.
Iraola's Message to Players
Speaking in his first interview as the club's new head coach, Iraola suggested players like Elliott will get their chance to shine. "We've analysed Liverpool a lot – possible weaknesses, the strengths," Iraola said. "I think we have a very good squad. I think there is still work to do, like normally in every club in this moment of the season. But right now, for me the thing is to value especially the players that we have right now in the squad."
"For me, and I will tell them, [they] are all new signings. For me, you are all new signings and I think we have a lot of quality in our squad, and [I'm] really looking forward to working with them."
Iraola added: "I only had, I think, Milos [Kerkez] in the squad before – I know a couple. I've been talking to a couple before – but it will be lovely also to play again with Milos, try to improve him, try to help him in his development. Yeah, definitely looking forward to it."
Elliott's Affection for Liverpool
With Liverpool looking to rebuild their midfield and attack, Elliott's inclusion seems straightforward. He brings experience, can deputise in central areas and offers a solid attacking threat from the right, something that will be sorely missing in the absence of Mohamed Salah next season.
He also has a huge affection for the club. Upon leaving Liverpool for Villa last year, Elliott posted a heartfelt goodbye, demonstrating how much the club means to him. He wrote: "When I joined Liverpool in 2019 it was a dream come true for me and my family. As a young child I travelled the world supporting the team as a fan and words will never be able to explain the feeling I had when I pulled on that famous red shirt for the first time as a player."
Speaking to the club's official website in 2022, Elliott said: "There's no better place to be [than Liverpool]. It feels like my second home, to say the least, and every time I come here, it's always a buzz, whether it was a fan, or as a player now. It gets better and better every time you see it."
