Six months ago, he was named the U21 European Championship’s best player. Now Harvey Elliot is stripped of playing time. This summer, the 22-year-old opted for an exit from Liverpool on loan, he realized Slot had more focus on new investments than an academy player on the rise. Aston Villa was the next club, another problem built up. It’s clear coach Unai Emery was never involved in the decision to invest in Elliot. When we hear Arne Slot talk about the player Mo Salah hailed as “He is a champion”, we understand that Elliot is placed in two freezers at the same time.
The 22-year-old has not been in Villa’s matchday squad in the Premier League since the beginning of October, then with two games on the bench. We actually have to go all the way back to September for the last PL match.
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Before this weekend’s game, Arne Slot is asked about Elliot.
“I haven’t had much contact with him. I think only once or twice, and that was before he played against Feyenoord away, and after he played against Feyenoord away, but it had more to do with him playing against one of my former clubs. So no, I haven’t spoken to him. I’m aware of his situation, of course,” Slot begins at the press conference.
“I know how difficult it was for him here with us, so I think I know how he feels right now, but you should ask those questions at Villa and not here, in terms of his playing time there,” the Liverpool manager says coldly.
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Not exactly a “you’ll never walk alone” for Harvey Elliot. A return to Anfield in January for game time, Elliot can just forget that.
