Ally McCoist has urged Harvey Elliott to hold a meeting with Andoni Iraola over his future after the destructive impact his loan spell at Aston Villa has had on his body and form.
The 23-year-old went on loan to Villa Park last season, but he played just five Premier League games for a total of 110 minutes, and it has left him out of shape and out of form.
It’s not hyperbolic to say that whatever happens next will have a huge impact on his career.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Ally McCoist says Elliott needs to have a chat with Iraola about his future in the final few days of the summer transfer window to decide the best route for his future.
“He has got to get playing – it doesn’t look like it will be at Liverpool,” he said. “It is a slippery slope and he has to be very careful. I don’t imagine wage demands will be that high but he needs to go and play. Whether it is in Europe or with another English club, I don’t know, but the Villa spell was a nightmare.
“He needs to sit down with Iraola and find out if he has a chance or if he is in his plans because he needs to play. He is a lovely footballer. Last season was a write-off and he can’t afford another one like that.”
The decline of Elliott has been tragic to see
The numbers on their own are enough to highlight how far Elliott has fallen in just three years.
In Klopp’s last season:
- 4 goals
- 14 assists
In Slot’s first season:
- 5 goals
- 3 assists
On loan at Aston Villa:
- 1 goal
- 0 assists
I can’t help but feel like there is still an incredible player there, but Elliott will have to leave Liverpool to re-find his form.
If he stays at Anfield, the 23-year-old simply won’t play enough football to get back into the top physical condition required to yield the best of his creative prowess.
A permanent move to a club that can be trusted to play him often enough in a system that highlights his best traits is what I would reccomend.
