Joey Barton has told media – as quoted by the Shields Gazette – after his Bristol Rovers side beat Sutton that Newcastle loanee Elliot Anderson is a “hell of a player”. The teen was handed just his third start at senior level.
Anderson, 19, joined Bristol Rovers in January on loan until the summer after failing to add to his two senior substitute appearances from last season, this time around. He has joined Rovers, making an instant impact.
Playing from the no.10 role in a 4-2-3-1 system under ex-Toon midfielder Barton, Anderson got his first assist in what was his third start – creating the first as Rovers went on to win 2-0. Barton was full of praise for Anderson.
Indeed, the hotheaded gaffer spoke of Anderson’s vision and creativity – and that he is a “hell of a player” as the win saw Barton keep his side’s chance of making a late play-off push alive. They sit 11th, seven behind sixth place.
“He’s a hell of a player. Delighted to have him,” Barton said on Anderson. “I’m thankful that they trust us with a boy as talented as Elliot. A real inventive mind, wants to go past people, takes the ball in tight areas.”
Barton on Anderson: Could he break into Newcastle set-up?
It will be interesting to see how Eddie Howe and Newcastle approach the younger stars, given the investment is likely to be large over the next few seasons. A new winger or two are likely in the summer.
As is more creativity. Joe Willock and Miguel Almiron are the current options, but both have been inconsistent this season. Will Howe look to his younger players? Or is it more likely Anderson goes on loan again?
The chances are, the youngster will prove himself at League Two level and then join a League One club next season – or even perhaps, a Championship side come the summer.
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