Harvey Elliott's actions in the final minutes of Aston Villa's Europa League clash against Maccabi Tel Aviv did not go unnoticed after Unai Emery decided against bringing him on as a second-half substitute.
The 22-year-old joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan deal from Liverpool, which includes an obligation to buy next summer.
That obligation at the end of the 2025-26 campaign is conditional but will only trigger if the former Fulham midfielder makes 10 appearances for his new club, according to widespread reports.
At first, it looked like Elliott would sail past that figure after making five appearances in September alone.
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But the out-of-favour loanee has struggled for first-team minutes of late. In fact, he has failed to feature for Unai Emery's side since their clash against Feyenoord on October 2.
After being left out of Villa's last five matches in all competitions prior to Thursday night's Europa League clash against Maccabi Tel Aviv, some expected Elliott to at least make an appearance from the bench.
However, the 22-year-old was snubbed by Emery, who used all five of his substitutes – Ollie Watkins, Boubacar Kamara, Emiliano Buendia, John McGinn and Youri Tielemans – in the second half.
With a few minutes remaining at Villa Park, a seemingly frustrated Elliott was spotted walking down the tunnel.
The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell commented on the scene. "Harvey Elliott, in his tracksuit and with five subs all used, goes down the tunnel a few minutes left," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
"He applauds the fans nearby, probably readying himself for some all too familiar post-match runs."
Unai Emery reveals Harvey Elliott chat after he was left out of squad
At the end of last month, Elliott was left out of Aston Villa's squad for their Premier League clash against Manchester City – a game they went on to win thanks to a first-half goal from Matty Cash.
Asked about Elliott's absence from the matchday squad, Unai Emery explained the decision.
"He is training well, and he played some matches, but the performances weren't what we needed," he said. "Some players are playing as a number 10, and they are playing well, like Buendia and Rogers, also Ross Barkley after he was out.
"In the squad today we needed to take one player out, and I decided for him. I am happy with him.
"He is training good. His commitment is fantastic and he is a good guy. Only tactical decision."
Emery added: "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."
Topics: Harvey Elliott, Aston Villa, Europa League, Liverpool, Unai Emery
Jack Kenmare