Elliot Anderson could be set for a starting role for Newcastle United.
After a fantastic pre-season, Elliot Anderson may well find himself in the Newcastle starting XI when the new Premier League season gets underway.
The Magpies’ first match of the new campaign takes place on Saturday, August 12th, when they take on Aston Villa at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe will certainly be tempted to test Anderson from the off. The youngster’s pre-season form has got him in contention to start, as reported by Chronicle Live.
Howe has already heaped praise on Anderson this summer, and teammate Kieran Trippier has been impressed, too. The England full-back has hailed the 20-year-old’s form as “brilliant,” as quoted by the club’s official YouTube channel.
Why Anderson is in contention
Anderson’s finest showings in the club’s pre-season Premier League Summer Series campaign came against Brighton and Aston Villa. His late brace earned the Tyneside outfit a win over the Seagulls, whilst his goal and general play stood out in the draw with Villa.
Anderson could now be set to punish the Villans again, this time in the far more serious context of an actual Premier League clash. Whether or not the young midfielder does get the nod against Unai Emery’s side, he will definitely be in Howe’s plans this year.
He won’t be the only young Newcastle ace knocking on the door for Premier League minutes either. Lewis Miley and Alex Murphy also impressed on the USA tour and are deserving of an opportunity.
Whilst Newcastle’s ambitions grow, and they begin to target the biggest prizes in the game, it’s vital that they don’t lose sight of the importance of nurturing young talents. Anderson has been with the club since the age of eight. The fans will want to see this local academy product get his chance to shine on the biggest stage.
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