Harvey Elliott: Will Liverpool loanee play for Aston Villa against Leeds United?
With their mega salaries and cosy lifestyles, it’s often tough to feel bad for professional footballers.
But spare a thought, if you will, for England and Aston Villa midfielder Harvey Elliott, who seems to have become the forgotten man at Villa Park this season.
Last summer, the 22-year-old was on top of the world, leading England’s under-21 side to the Euros title. It put his name on the world stage after a couple of seasons where he struggled to break into Liverpool’s starting XI.
His talent is undeniable - even former Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he didn’t give the youngster enough time in the spotlight.
In search of more first-team football, Elliott was sent on loan to Aston Villa, where he now hasn’t played a game since October 10, when he was on the pitch for just four minutes in a Champions League match against Feyenoord.
This weekend against Leeds United seems set to be no different, with manager Unai Emery making it clear that Morgan Rodgers is his first choice attacking midfielder.
At a press conference, Emery said: “He is training well, and he played some matches, but the performances weren’t what we needed. Some players are playing as a number 10, and they are playing well, like Buendia and Rogers, also Ross Barkley after he was out.
“I spoke with him about it. My advice was to keep going, and training and when it is his opportunity, to play well. He is a very good player.
“Our demands are in the high level. Some players, they performed in the same position last year and this year. He needs time to work and wait for his moment.”