Arne Slot has described Harvey Elliott’s transfer to Aston Villa as “in the interest of everyone,” praising the 22-year-old’s professionalism and attitude during a period when game time was limited.
Elliott had indicated throughout the summer that he needed to assess whether staying at Liverpool was the best step for his career, despite his strong ties to his boyhood club.
The situation was only resolved on deadline day, when Aston Villa secured the England youth international on an initial loan deal that will become permanent if he makes 10 appearances.
The move is therefore set to make Elliott a Villan for £35million next summer, although Liverpool have inserted a buy-back clause should he continue to fulfil his potential at Villa Park.
Slot suggested the transfer opens up opportunities that would not have been available at Liverpool, while also praising Elliott’s conduct and contributions during his time with the club.
“Harvey is in a very good place, going to a very nice club with Aston Villa,” Slot told reporters.
“I think it’s in the interest of everyone. He didn’t get the playing time he probably deserves for the quality player he is, and he always conducted himself so well.
“It wasn’t only when he said that this was his club that he wanted to say this to the fans; he acted inside, with him not playing much, always doing what was in the best interest of the club.
“He deserves a big compliment for that.
“I know everybody always talks about Mo and Virgil and the others when we win the league, but players like him were definitely also the reason why we could win it.
“He was always positive and if he had to play five or 10 minutes, he helped the team, and in every session he did.
“That is partly the success of a team, that the ones that don’t play that much have the right mindset.
“I think he’s completely ready now to show the quality he has at Aston Villa.”
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