The Liverpool loanee made his first appearance in almost four months in Villa’s 3-2 win in the Europa League.
He almost scored within 30 seconds and then completed the full 90 minutes.
In reality, its performance probably always didn’t matter, because the more important question is whether anyone actually plans to use it regularly.
Elliott plays again, but hangs on the edge
Elliott was called up due to Villa’s injury crisis.
John McGinn and Youri Tielemans were missing, Ollie Watkins was also forced out, so this was an opportunity out of necessity rather than confidence.
Unai Emery has already been clear about where Elliott stands and spoke after the match (via Birmingham Live): “It doesn’t change with Harvey. We have our idea.”
“I’ve obviously spoken to Harvey, I’ve said before he’s a fantastic guy. He will also be in the team tomorrow, but that does not change the situation he has now.”
That message was reiterated again this week: Emery’s position is not tactical, but structural.
Even when Elliott started and finished the match, nothing changed in his status.
From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, that’s worrying. A 22-year-old who needs rhythm and direction, but has instead been sidelined by us and Villa.
Elliott’s performance in Salzburg was solid but not transformative
Elliott’s numbers against Salzburg were respectable.
He completed 45 of 52 passes, had 67 touches, recorded 0.46 xG from three shots, missed one big chance and also worked defensively with two tackles and six recoveries.
That profile matches what we know about him. but will not be decisive enough to change a manager’s mind.
Throughout the season, Elliott has now played eight games, scoring once and logging just 264 minutes.
There is also a contractual reality: if he makes ten appearances, Villa are obliged to buy him.
At this point, that seems extremely unlikely. Villa are managing injuries but not building a future around Elliott.
That puts Liverpool in a difficult position.
We have a player who is fit, can contribute, loves the Reds and has no access to his loan club.
Charlotte FC boss Dean Smith even acknowledged that reality when discussing possible alternatives.
“If he’s not going to play for Villa and can’t play anywhere else, then it would be an option for him to come and play a few games.”
Why this is a Liverpool problem, not just a Villa problem
Elliott deserves better than this, he is not trusted at Villa and he currently has no realistic route back into Liverpool’s starting plans.
This loan was intended to solve a problem, but it has created a new problem.
Elliott’s return showed he can still perform at this level, but it also showed that performance alone won’t change his status.
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