Elliot Anderson is ‘very close’ to starting a Premier League game for the first time at Newcastle United, manager Eddie Howe tells the Northern Echo after another eye-catching cameo in the 1-0 victory over Everton.
When you’re one goal up heading into the final stages, it’s always handy to have a player on the bench who can slow things down, keep possession under pressure and win some valuable free-kicks. It’s not often, however, that the player in question is just 19 years of age.
Once again, Anderson showed during his 18 minutes on the pitch against Everton that he can be relied upon to make his mark at the very highest level, helping Newcastle see out three well-earned points with a maturity and a composure seldom seen from one so young.
Arguably Newcastle’s most talented academy graduate in generations; the Whitley Bay-born teenager could soon be starting games in black-and-white rather than merely influencing them from the bench if he maintains his current rate of progress.
Elliot Anderson getting closer to Newcastle United’s starting XI
“He’s very close,” Howe says when asked when Anderson can expect to receive his first Premier League start. “He is a big part of our squad. He’s regularly entering the pitch in different positions, which is great.
“He’s got that versatility that at the moment we really need. He did well when he came on in a wide position (against Everton). I thought he gave us a little lift at a time in the game when we needed it. (He) defended very well and supported Dan Burn on that left flank.
“So I was really pleased with Elliot.”
Anderson has made six Premier League appearances so far this term, albeit totalling less than 90 minutes combined. The Scotland U21 international does have some experience of regular, first-team football, however; making a huge impact out on loan as Bristol Rovers earned promotion out of League Two last term.
Anderson produced 13 goals and assists in 21 games under ex-Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton, earning comparisons with a certain footballing legend.
“I’ve been listening to Bill Shankley tapes a lot today,” Barton told Bristol Live. “He talked a lot about a 19-year-old Diego Maradona and how he slows down in the penalty area. Exactly like Elliot Anderson does. (He is) such a talent.”
“Elliot has been brilliant for us from the first day we brought him in. Elliot is a huge talent. He excites you.”
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