Harvey Elliott opens up on Aston Villa loan nightmare and second chance at Liverpool

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Harvey Elliott believes he has been gifted a second chance at Liverpool after the arrival of Andoni Iraola, following a disastrous loan to Aston Villa last season. The former Fulham youngster is back with the Reds for pre-season and has already featured for his new boss as he looks to take the opportunity to impress.

The midfielder made just one Premier League start during his time at Villa Park and nine appearances in all due to a clause in his loan which would have triggered a £35m transfer after his tenth appearance. Elliott was left out of squads throughout the season as he struggled to play under Unai Emery.

It was not the season Elliott wanted, having only started twice in the Premier League during Arne Slot's title-winning season at Anfield. It cost him any chance of making it into Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad and leaves him desperate to play football.

Elliott holds no ill will toward Villa but is now firmly focused on establishing himself at Liverpool. He believes that with a new coaching staff to impress, he has the perfect opportunity to rekindle his career.

“Unfortunately, it didn't work out, but the way I see it is that's last season now, I'm here. It's kind of a second chance, if you want to call it," Elliott explained.

“Especially with the gaffer and new coaching staff coming in. It's another chance to impress and hopefully get in their (good) books.

"But whatever happened last season, I wish Villa nothing but the very best, had a lot of love for them, and they treated me very, very well. Unfortunately, the situation happened, but It's another learning curve.

“It's a situation that I can take on in my career, and just keep looking forward. I'm here now, and I'm trying to cement my spot in the team or within the squad."

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While Elliott is looking to move on from last season, he conceded it was a difficult situation to bear. The 23-year-old was pleased to be part of an historic Europa League win with Villa but endured a draining situation on the sidelines.

“Mentally, it was a very tough one," he added. "As I said, it was a learning curve. 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 wish them all the very best. Well, I did greatly have a lot of love for them. They treated me as one of their own, as it were, and for that. I respect them highly.

“But it was tough, mentally and physically, but 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 (with Villa winning the Europa League).

“That was another historical moment for the club, and to be part of that was another great situation. But my focus is on this season, at Liverpool, and I just need to see what happens.”