Harvey Elliott, on loan from Liverpool, is struggling to make his mark at Valencia. His lack of proper pre-season training has impacted the 23-year-old midfielder's physical condition, resulting in limited game time since his move to the Spanish club.
Elliott missed proper training
Elliott joined Valencia as the summer transfer window was closing, but his preparation for the season has been anything but standard.
Instead of undergoing a full pre-season, the young midfielder spent much of the summer in limbo regarding his future. As a result, by the time he landed in Spain, he was not at the required fitness levels.
According to Marca, Elliott arrived at Valencia weighing above his optimal playing weight. This lack of physical fitness is now seen as a significant reason behind his limited participation in matches.
Valencia expecting progress
The signs of trouble were already evident in Elliott's early outings for the Spanish side. The young talent is eager to showcase his abilities but currently lacks the physical capacity to fully express his skillset.
In a recent match against Alaves, the midfielder didn't even make the squad, with Valencia considering the game too intense given his existing condition.
Now, with the international break underway, this presents an opportunity for the England international to embark on a sort of second pre-season.
Three weeks to regain optimal fitness
Reports suggest that Elliott has approximately three weeks to improve his physical form and get close to the necessary fitness levels.
For Valencia, this is particularly crucial as the club has taken on nearly all of the player's wages, which align with his Premier League salary.
Elliott ranks among the highest earners in the squad—his salary reportedly the third largest.
Liverpool awaiting a fresh start
For Elliott, the move to Valencia was supposed to represent an opportunity to reboot his career following a challenging period.
A few years ago, the Englishman was touted as one of Liverpool's most promising young talents, earning high praise from Jurgen Klopp.
Now he faces the task of proving he can return to that level.
The next three weeks could prove vital for the midfielder. If Elliott is able to attain optimal fitness, he may find himself with more game time and initiate a fully-fledged career in Spain.
