Elliot Anderson has saved Newcastle United a fortune in the transfer market; now, he must add goals and assists to his game to become a Toon regular.
Quality, adaptability, and, most crucially, a ceiling taller than the Tyne Bridge. Elliot Anderson should no longer be regarded a potential; he is a player Newcastle United can rely on when needed.
In recent years, Benton has underperformed, with Andy Carroll becoming the most recent England representative. Although Paul Dummett and Sean Longstaff are well-known names, the Magpies cannot claim to have produced a steady stream of world-class players from their academy ranks.
However, in Anderson and Lewis Miley, Newcastle have two Geordie possibilities who can sparkle in black and white well into the post-takeover period. Anderson’s season has been frustrating, since he lost five months of 2023-24 due to a fractured back.
Given the severity of Newcastle’s injury situation, he was largely overlooked during his absence. Few were anticipating his comeback, with Joe Willock, Joelinton, and the suspended Sandro Tonali receiving the majority of the fan support.
However, what the Whitley Bay native has done in the previous two games is set the groundwork for a successful career at St James’ Park. The irony for Fulham is that Willock’s injury elicited collective moans as Eddie Howe considered who to turn to.
Newcastle were struggling at the time, and were on track for a poor performance at Craven Cottage. Anderson stepped up, initiating the move that eventually resulted to Bruno Guimaraes’ late winner.
Fast forward a week, and the 21-year-old, now playing left-wing back, had perhaps his best performance at Newcastle to yet. Supporters, haunted by the specter of injuries, moaned when the team sheet was announced, with additional setbacks unsettling the starting lineup.
Less than an hour later, Howe was vindicated as the Magpies dominated Tottenham Hotspur in an inventive 3-4-3 style. Anderson made three shot-creating actions, five take-ons, and 16 carries from an unfamiliar position, partnering well with Harvey Barnes on the left side.
“I think Elliot brings his unique version of ball-winning duels, but I wouldn’t say he’s sort of a natural like Joe (Joelinton) is,” Howe remarked after the game, complimenting the academy jewel. “I believe that is due to his perseverance and dedication.
“However, what he can bring is very different technically. And I believe his delivery around the box will continue to improve with time. I believe he will be a goalscorer or a goal creator.
“We’ve seen that in training for a long time. I can’t say enough about how well he’s recovered from his injuries. I believe he’s in a really wonderful place.”
Newcastle must be frugal in an FFP/PSR-dominated world, despite its owners’ projected $700 billion wealth. Meticulous planning is already underway for the summer transfer window, and Anderson has saved them a fortune.
With Tonali and Joelinton returning, the recruitment setup can remove a central midfielder off their shopping list, moving focus elsewhere, specifically on the right side and at centre back.
Anderson’s challenge is to improve his scoring and assist numbers. That, paired with his technical ability reminiscent of Paul Gascoigne, could allow him to have a fruitful Newcastle career for many years.”We’ve seen that in training for a long time. I can’t say enough about how well he’s recovered from his injuries. I believe he’s really good place.”
