Newcastle United are not having the best of seasons, but Eddie Howe’s side still managed to hammer Tottenham Hotspur at St. James’ Park on Saturday.
Tottenham Hotspur are aiming to finish fourth in the Premier League table this season and have a very strong team, but the North London club collapsed 4-0 at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle United were the better team from start to finish and deservedly picked up all three points from the Premier League game.
The Magpies scored two goals in each other and were defensively very solid. One of the reasons why Newcastle kept a clean sheet was because of Elliot Anderson.
Anderson started the match for Newcastle on the left of a midfield-three in a 4-3-3 formation. The 21-year-old often helped out defensively and impressed TNT Sports co-commentator Ally McCoist.
The Scotland Under-21 international took five shots of which one was on target, had a pass accuracy of 69.2%, won four headers, took 48 touches, attempted three dribbles, made one tackle, one interception and five clearances, and put in three crosses.
While Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has praised Anderson for his performance and emergence this season, he has admitted that he is not sure about the youngster’s best position, noting the competition that he is facing.
Eddie Howe gives his verdict on Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson after Tottenham Hotspur match
Howe said about Anderson on TNT Sports 1 (2:57 pm, April 13, 2024): “Elliot today I think was excellent. He is an outstanding talent. He has been sort of trying to burst into the team and stay in the team.”
When asked for Anderson’s best position, Howe said: “It’s a good question. I am not sure myself because he can play wide left, but obviously Anthony’s form, Harvey’s form, that makes it difficult for him there, but as a number 8 on the left-hand side, but then he has got Joelinton to compete with.
“That’s why with Joelinton’s injury you are seeing him emerge. He has got everything really.”
Elliot Anderson is one for the future
In my opinion, Elliot Anderson is a player for the future. I do not think that Newcastle United or the midfielder should worry about regular playing time or his best position too much at the moment.
What Anderson needs now is to get any sort of playing time and also be able to play in a variety of roles.
It is important for the modern footballer to be versatile and be able to play in a number of positions.
The youngster has made 20 appearances for Newcastle this season, providing one assist in the process.
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