Harvey Elliott ready to fight for Liverpool place after Aston Villa struggles

The 23-year-old midfielder spent last season on loan at Villa, where a clause in the agreement would have made the move permanent if he reached a set number of appearances. 

That target was never achieved as Elliott struggled for regular game time under Unai Emery.

Now back at Anfield, Elliott has featured in Liverpool's opening two pre-season matches under new head coach Andoni Iraola and believes he has another chance to prove himself.

"I'm here and it's kind of a second chance, if you want to call it," Elliott said.

"Especially with the gaffer and new coaching staff coming in, it's another chance to impress and hopefully get in their good books.

"I wish Villa nothing but the very best. Unfortunately, the situation happened but it's another learning curve. I'm here now and I'm trying to cement my spot in the team or within the squad."

Elliott joined Liverpool in 2019 but managed just nine appearances in all competitions during his loan spell with Villa. Although his time on the pitch was limited, he was part of the squad that won the Europa League.

The midfielder admitted the lack of football was difficult to deal with but believes the experience has made him stronger.

"Mentally, it was a very tough one, it was a learning curve," Elliott said.

"It was an opportunity for me to experience something new, as much as I didn't want to do it, and I don't wish it upon any other player, because it's not nice at all.

"But I have no hard feelings. I'm on the other side of it now. I was able to get through it and achieve something at the end of the season as well, another historical moment for the club, and to be part of that was another great situation."

Liverpool play next against Leeds United in a Club Friendly on Sunday at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Liverpool begin their new Premier League campaign away to Newcastle United on August 23.

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