Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott made the most of his first start for Valencia in the Copa del Rey, and he managed turn opinions on him from the Spanish media in the process

Harvey Elliott has finally made his mark at Valencia, and the Liverpool loanee looks to have won over the Spanish media after his scoring his first goal for the club.

Elliott was on target with a superb free-kick as he was handed his first start in Valencia’s 6-0 win over sixth tier side Tavernes in the first round of the Copa del Rey on Tuesday.

It’s been a long time coming for the 23-year-old, who has endured a frustrating year. After his nightmare season at Aston Villa, his time at Valencia didn’t seem to be going much better, having failed to start since joining the club in September, and having been left on the bench against Real Madrid at the weekend.

Having been handed a rare opportunity by Javier Aguirre though, Elliott made the most of it, emerging as one of the standout performers against Tavernes, and managing to change the opinion of the local media after some unflattering verdicts earlier in the season.

Super Deporte was impressed, and awarded Elliott a seven in its player ratings - the second-highest mark behind Aimar Blazquez, who scored twice in the game.

“Despite the difference in league levels, Harvey Elliott took the match against UE Tavernes very seriously,” the outlet wrote about the England U21 international. “It was his first appearance since being sent off against Villarreal CF and following a very unpromising start to the season on an individual level, with very little playing time.

“The player wanted to show Mestalla and Aguirre that he wants to contribute and was one of the most active players throughout the match , offering himself practically all over the field to participate in the team's actions and launching Valencia's attacks.”

Plaza Deportiva was also full of praise, with Elliott again the second-highest in the player ratings with a 7.5.

“Excellent,” was the verdict. “The Englishman scored a goal and was involved in many dangerous plays. Technically far superior to his opponents.”

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El Desmarque went even higher with its rating, giving Elliott an eight, putting him behind only Blazquez and Dani Raba.

“The Englishman played in the double pivot,” it wrote. “He has quality. He scored a great free kick, after which he apologized to the fans for his sending-off on a previous day.”

Elliott will now have to wait to see whether he will get more opportunities now, with Valencia not back in action until after the international break when it takes on Rayo Vallecano on November 21.

Summing up Elliott’s performance, Aguirre said: “A good player can perform wherever you put him: As an attacking midfielder, or in a three-man midfield setup, or even in a more hybrid role, as he’s a versatile player.

“I believe he’s better closer to the penalty area, where he can deliver that final pass. He doesn’t quite feel at ease out wide; he’s much better centrally, where he can provide the final ball or take shots from distance.

“He does struggle a bit when he has to track back, but honestly, everyone just wants to play, wherever you put them, which is a good thing; it speaks well of the team’s spirit.”