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Harvey Elliott isn't expecting an instant spot in Aston Villa's first team and is relishing the competition for places - precisely as he encountered at Liverpool.
The 22-year-old made his Villa debut on Saturday, coming on as a substitute during the second half of a scoreless draw with Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Emi Buendia was taken off to accommodate Elliott in the 71st minute, though Villa came under siege in the final stages as Everton chased what would have been its third straight win. After claiming a point, Villa now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup, with a trip to Brentford offering an opportunity for Unai Emery's side to secure their first victory and opening goal of the campaign.
Elliott could be handed his first start in claret and blue, already feeling he fits into the squad after a fortnight's work under Emery.
"He's told me the ins and outs of where he wants me to be and play," Elliott said of the Villa boss. "I've been with them throughout the whole international break, so I've had a few weeks to integrate myself into the team, the style of play, and understand what's going on.
"Everyone around me so far at Aston Villa has been so welcoming - the way they've looked after me, from the teammates to the coaching staff and the fans as well. Everyone's made me feel very welcome and like one of their own instantly. I just really hope we can kick on from here. We've got a tough period coming up with two more away games, including the cup midweek, so it's going to be a busy period for us.
"It's a lot of travelling, but we need to keep fighting - especially for the fans - give them what they deserve, which is three points. We need to fight as much as we can for them, and I'm sure the results will start coming our way soon."
He added: "It's going to be very hard coming into a team with incredible players. There are players still out injured as well, like Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara. A few other lads, I think, got knocks today [vs Everton].
"So there's quality all around the team, and it's going to be hard, but I like the process of having to work to get into a really good team. I face that challenge again with Villa. It's not going to be a walk in the park where I come in and be in the position. I need to fight for the badge and showcase what I can do on the pitch."
In his first interview after completing his switch to Villa Park, Elliott revealed that Emery had made a significant impression on him during their conversations prior to finalizing the deal. Despite currently being on loan, the midfielder is set to complete a permanent move, with Villa having agreed to a $47 million obligation to buy.
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"I think it's just his commitment to football, you know, and his energy, his passion," Elliott said about what makes Emery special.
"It's his detail as well, and the heart he has for all of us. The first time I ever spoke to him, I was blown away by the way he was and what he had to say about me.
"As the weeks have gone on, you see it more and more. He's a very loving figure; he's always looking out for you and making sure you're OK. He does the best he can to help you as a player.
"I think working under him is going to be the best thing for me, as long as he trusts me. That's all that matters. I want to put everything on the pitch for him and work as hard as I can for him."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.
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