UNAI EMERY ON HARVEY ELLIOTT: ‘BRILLIANT TALENT, BUT NOT YET TACTICAL’
Harvey Elliott is frustrated with his lack of playing time at Aston Villa. A report reveals Unai Emery prefers more systematic players, leaving the Liverpool loanee out of matchday squads despite his eagerness to contribute.
Emery Chooses Barkley’s Tactics Over Elliott’s Flair - Photo Credit: Getty Images
As a source explains why Unai Emery keeps passing up the Liverpool loanee, Harvey Elliott is "increasingly dissatisfied" with his lack of playing time at Aston Villa.
Elliott signed a season-long loan with Aston Villa on deadline day, with the option to purchase him for almost £35 million if he makes just ten appearances this year.
He has made six appearances so far, but just two as a starter. In the past six weeks, he has only been allowed to play four minutes off the bench, including on October 2 against Feyenoord, and he was not even included in the matchday squad for the Premier League victories against Manchester City and Bournemouth.
According to The Athletic, Elliott has not played this season "mainly because he has not yet fully adjusted to Emery's rigid footballing demands." Marco Asensio of Paris Saint-Germain and Lucas Paqueta of West Ham were also Emery's "preferred alternatives" in the summer.
Elliott was used to coming off the bench to change games for Liverpool, but Emery "prefers a more systematic approach" from his offensive midfielders.
Emery's favourite midfield alternatives are Morgan Rogers, John McGinn, and Youri Tielemans; Emiliano Beundia's comeback puts him ahead of Elliott in the hierarchy; and even Ross Barkley, who Emery usually uses more as a No. 6; recently, Barkley was called upon before the England U21 star.
Emery responded, "He is training well, and he played several matches, but the performances were not what we required," when asked why the 22-year-old was not included in the squad for the victory over City. Some players, like Rogers and Buendia, are performing well when playing as a No. 10. Ross Barkley, too, after he left.
We had to remove one guy from the team, so I chose to do so with him. I am content with him. He is training well. He is a decent man with amazing dedication. (It is) Just a strategic choice.
"The No. 10 in the Spaniard's system is a critical player who must be tactically erudite, identifying pressing triggers set by the striker, but also calm and serene in possession," according to the source. Emery clearly does not think Elliott is the right man for that role, at least not right now.
According to the report, Elliott has been "more and more unhappy over the past month since sitting on the sidelines was not what he expected or was told lay ahead when he signed." "There is a growing irritation on the player's behalf, because the situation is getting worse, not better," it continues.
LEEDS TARGET IVAN TONEY FOR TOP-FLIGHT RETURN
Leeds United are named as a surprise potential suitor for Ivan Toney. The England striker is reportedly considering a Premier League return from Saudi Arabia, with the Whites needing firepower.
Leeds Linked With Ivan Toney Ahead Premier League Comeback - Photo Credit: Getty Images
Leeds United may be about to focus on the Saudi Pro League, where an England international is thinking about his future, if they are searching for further firepower.
After spending four seasons at Brentford and getting a call-up with the Three Lions, Ivan Tony decided to move to the Middle East in August 2024. However, a lengthy suspension for breaking betting regulations ruined his final season.
Toney scored 30 goals in 44 games in his debut season, helping his new team win the AFC Champions League Elite for the first time. Al-Ahli paid a reputed £40 million for the 29-year-old, and they received an immediate return.
The muscular striker has scored 11 goals in 15 games in all competitions this season, continuing the trend from the previous one. However, he has now suggested that his future may be elsewhere.
Toney is reportedly considering a return to the Premier League, according to Sky Sports. According to the article, a number of elite clubs have already investigated the possibility of a deal in January.
The Northampton native has been linked to moves to Tottenham and Everton, but Alex Crook, talkSPORT's Chief Football Correspondent, has also mentioned Leeds as a potential suitor.
Crook discussed the subject with Toney on air, saying, "West Ham and Everton are two more teams that desperately need a No. 9. Ivan Toney at Tottenham would be adored by Thomas Frank. Leeds, you also claimed that Ivan Toney would be coveted by half of the Premier League.
This season's home shirt is among the kits and merchandise that Leeds United has knocked 30% off on their official club store.
Toney's choice to join the Saudi Pro League was controversial at the time, and his limited prospects with the England team have partially outweighed his financial gains.
"I arrived here and the training field was wonderful, the stadium was nice, and the quality of the team was also good," he remarked in December 2024, describing his decision to relocate to Al-Ahli. Although everyone has a different perspective on this league, I entered knowing that it still has strong standards.
"I was hoping for a little something different. I can fit in anywhere, even though it is a foreign culture. I am currently outside of the UK, having visited Peterborough and Brentford. I can hardly wait to start this adventure. At this point in my career, I think it is the appropriate decision."
Although Tony only has one cap for the Three Lions this season, a return to the Premier League might help guarantee a spot on the trip over the Atlantic next summer, especially with the World Cup approaching and no reliable strikers to replace talisman Harry Kane.
Leeds, who have only scored 10 goals in 11 Premier League games this season, are in dire need of further firepower. Since relocating to Elland Road, summer acquisition Dominic Calvert-Lewin has only scored one goal.
WOLVES CONFIRM ROB EDWARDS, HOPES RISE FOR GREAT ESCAPE
Wolves appoint former Luton boss Rob Edwards as new manager. The ex-Wolves defender returns on a 3.5-year deal to lead the struggling Premier League side, starting with a crucial match against Crystal Palace.
Rob Edwards has returned to Wolves to navigate the Relegation Battle - Photo Credit: Shutterstock
After a terrible start to the season, Wolves has confirmed the hiring of former Luton manager Rob Edwards, who will be entrusted with leading the team out of the Premier League table. The 42-year-old, who was selected to succeed Vitor Pereira as manager, has agreed to a three-and-a-half-year contract at Molineux.
Edwards rejoins the Wolves.
Last week, David Ornstein of The Athletic reported that Wolves and Middlesbrough had agreed on a compensation settlement for Edwards that was close to £2 million.
With his official confirmation as Wolves' new manager, Edwards, whose contract at Boro lasted until 2028, has rekindled his longstanding relationship with the team. Between 2004 and 2008, he made 111 appearances for the team as a centre-back.
In 2016, after Walter Zenga was fired, Edwards served as Wolves' temporary coach for two games. Following a 3-2 loss to Derby County and a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers, Edwards remained as the team's first-team coach while Paul Lambert was hired as the new manager. Before joining 'Boro in June, Edwards enjoyed head coaching positions at Forest Green, Watford, and Luton.
Regarding Edwards' appointment, Wolves executive chairman Jeff Shi stated: "I know Rob very well and I have observed his growth in several jobs." In addition to being a very excellent player, he is also a really good person who knows the city, the club, and the supporters. He showed tactical understanding while working as a youth coach here, but he began to develop his own identity, character, and leadership after accepting first-team positions.
"Rob and his staff have shown in the past that they can be incredibly successful at transforming the culture, instilling confidence into players rapidly, and building foundations for a really positive future," said Matt Jackson, the club's director of player recruitment and development. He enjoys playing on the field, changing up a team, and adopting the strategies of various circumstances.
"We need to bring the energy he brings off the field onto the field. We must be honest about where we are, and accountability is unquestionably necessary. Rob will have a positive cultural impact on the entire football team; therefore, we need to instil that confidence in the players as soon as possible.
According to a report, Molineux Club is focused on the future.
The Athletic also claimed that by hiring Edwards, a former Watford manager, Wolves is looking to the future. The club is hopeful that Edwards can help them survive in the Premier League this season, but they also think that if they do not make it out of the Championship next season, his appointment will give them the best chance to be promoted.
Having led Luton Town to promotion to the Premier League in the 2022–2023 Championship play-offs, Edwards has experience in both leagues. Under Edwards' guidance, the Hatters were competitive in the top division, finishing in 18th place in 2023–24 with 26 points from 38 games, ultimately suffering relegation.
Additionally, Middlesbrough was doing well under his leadership. Despite the rumours surrounding his future, Edwards was benched for Saturday's 2-1 victory over Birmingham City, putting the Teessiders in second place in the Championship standings, just five points behind leaders Coventry City.
After the 2025–26 season got off to a bad start, Wolves resorted to Edwards. With nine losses and two draws in their 11 games this season, they are still the only team in England's top four divisions without a league victory. After a 3-0 loss against Fulham at the beginning of the month, Pereira's 10-month tenure at Molineux came to an end when he was fired.
On November 22, Wolves will play Crystal Palace in the league in Edwards' debut match as manager. The former Wales international will then play in a West Midlands derby when his new team visits Aston Villa on November 30. On Wednesday, December 3, and December 8, they will play at home against Nottingham Forest, another struggling team, and Manchester United, who are currently playing well.