Javier Aguirre’s work with Harvey Elliott at Valencia | OneFootball

Harvey Elliott arrived at Valencia CF amid a shortage of attacking signings and a team in crisis. The Englishman, short of a conventional pre-season and the language, began off the pace and has featured little. According to Superdeporte, this international break is being treated as a fresh start under new coach Javier Aguirre.

Aguirre and his staff have set out physical, tactical and emotional work, with the physical the most immediate. Early in his career Elliott thrived on sharp changes of tempo on the ball rather than raw sprint speed. Regaining that explosiveness is key to hurting opponents between the lines.

With Pol Lorente joining the fitness team, getting Elliott up to speed is seen as decisive. He still has two weeks to be ready for El Sardinero, even if his peak level may take a few more matches.

The emotional side is less urgent but perhaps the most important. This is his first move outside England, with a new culture, language and climate. The Liverpool loanee must adapt and Aguirre has stressed since his unveiling the value of close daily contact with players and their concerns.

For a player who three seasons ago was viewed as a potential Anfield star, then suffered a serious injury and an unfortunate stint at Aston Villa, the psychological work is vital.

Tactically, Elliott starts level with the rest. Aguirre is regarded by former players as a coach who adapts to his squad, so the Englishman could find space between the lines even when starting wide. It remains to be seen whether Valencia’s plan under the Mexican fits his profile.

Source: Superdeporte

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”