However, Elliott's lack of playing time is largely due to the fact that he isn't used to the level of responsibility that Emery demands from his number ten players. At Liverpool, Elliott was often used as a substitute and relied on making an impression off the bench. Now, with an in-form Emi Buendia ahead of him in the pecking order, Elliott's chances are limited.
Despite Emery's praise for Elliott's commitment and personality, the manager has also criticized the player for not adapting to the team's identity quickly enough. In a press conference, Emery said that Elliott had to understand the team's identity and make more passes before providing the final assist. However, Emery has also stated that the decision to leave Elliott out of the squad was purely tactical and that he is happy with the player's training and commitment.
It's unclear whether Villa or Liverpool have an option to terminate Elliott's loan early, but there is an obligation to buy for £35 million at the end of the season. Given Villa's financial issues, it's unlikely that they will be able to justify such a fee. For now, it seems that Elliott will have to continue to fight for playing time and prove himself to Emery.
Ultimately, Elliott's struggles at Villa Park are a reminder that adapting to a new team and manager can be a difficult process, especially for a young player. With more experience and playing time, Elliott may be able to find his footing and make a greater impact on the team.
Several reports have claimed that neither Villa or Liverpool have an option to terminate the loan early, so it's looking like Elliott will be there until the end of the season. Interestingly, there is an obligation to buy for £35 million come the end of the season, although it's unclear where there is a way out, similar to the one Chelsea had with Sancho. He's going to need more minutes to justify such a fee for a club that has issues like Villa.











