As Harvey Elliott continues to adapt to life at Villa Park, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery insists that the 22-year-old is ‘on the right path.’
Elliott joined Villa on deadline day after an agreement was reached with Liverpool for a loan move containing an obligation to buy in a deal worth a reported £35 million.
He made his debut off the bench against Everton, replacing Emi Buendía with 20 minutes left to play. The game ended in a goalless draw but it was a first glimpse of what the young midfielder could bring to Emery’s side.
A few days later, Elliott was handed his first start in the Carabao Cup clash with Brentford. Despite opening the scoring through Elliott’s goal, Villa were pegged back and eventually lost on penalties following misses from John McGinn and Matty Cash.
After that display, there was hope that Elliott might earn his first Premier League start when Villa faced Sunderland. Instead, he began on the bench and was introduced in the 58th minute to replace Ian Maatsen. He was then an unused substitute in the Europa League tie against Bologna.
His first Premier League start finally arrived against Fulham, the club where he made his professional debut as a 15-year-old. It was a significant moment, both personally and professionally, and a chance to make an impression.
Elliott was withdrawn at half time. Buendía, the man who replaced him, went on to score one goal and assist another within seven minutes.
After the Fulham match, Emery was quick to clarify that the decision to substitute Elliott at the break was purely tactical, not performance-related. The Spaniard reiterated that the youngster ‘needs time’ to adapt to Villa’s system and demands.
Speaking to the press ahead of Sunday’s Premier League win against Burnley, in which Elliott played no part, Emery explained his position.
“Time. Give him minutes, and through that he will feel confident in our structure,” Emery said about his plan for Elliott ahead of facing Burnley on Sunday.
“He needs to be demanding in our tactical idea and how we want to play and then use his skills.
“I am happy with how he is working. I know, and he knows, that he has to continue with his adaptation. He is on the right path.”
After the Burnley game, Villa have an expected goals value of 5.9 and rank 19th in the Premier League xG table.
While numbers never capture everything – Donyell Malen scored twice on Sunday from two shots with a combined xG of 0.27 – Villa’s analysts will be aware of the need to create a better quality of chance at a higher volume.
Elliott is known for his progressive passes and his shot-creating actions and could help give Villa more teeth. The midfielder has the qualities to make a difference once he fully adjusts to Emery’s tactical structure.
For now, patience is key. Elliott’s task is to trust the process, believe in his manager’s plan, and keep working because his moment will come.
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