Newcastle United spent big money on Anthony Elanga over the summer, but the results have been a little mixed so far.
Nick Woltemade has made an instant impact for Newcastle United, and Malick Thiaw has dazzled Magpies supporters.
Not every summer signing can make an immediate impression, though, and Anthony Elanga has yet to capture his best form.
Eddie Howe has backed Elanga, but the Swede is searching for consistency after a big move from Nottingham Forest.
Anthony Elanga comments on his Newcastle United form
Newcastle forked out £55million to sign Elanga after seeing him shine for Nottingham Forest for two seasons.
Howe would have hoped for a similar impact at Newcastle, but Elanga has been a little inconsistent so far.
Elanga impressed against Union Saint-Gilloise, but struggled to make an impact against Forest on Sunday.
Fans have been left a little divided on Elanga’s performances, and the wide man has now offered his own thoughts.
Speaking to Expressen in Sweden, Elanga vowed to stay focused and patient, believing that the Premier League season is a ‘marathon, not a sprint’.
Elanga believes that he will click at Newcastle soon enough, but he is still getting used to Howe’s system and his new teammates.
Elanga also praised Howe as the best manager he has ever played for, and thinks the Newcastle boss is managing him very carefully.
“It’s a marathon, not a sprint. It’s just about staying focused,” said Elanga.
“I know how good I am and how good I can be. When I get the chance, I have to take it. When a goal comes in, it will click. It’s a new system, new players, and they’ll get comfortable with me and I with them.
“A fantastic coach who I’m learning a lot from,” he added on Howe.
“For me, he is the best coach I have ever had. He helps me a lot on and off the field. I feel like I am getting better.
“I’ve played ten games, I think I’ve started six. We’ll have 60 games this year, and the coach is smart and knows what he’s doing. The way we play takes a lot of strain on the body. It requires intensity. He tries to keep everyone fresh and ready. We’ve won games, that’s the most important thing,” he added.
Anthony Elanga in the same boat as Alexander Isak this week
Elanga was speaking while on international duty with Sweden, ahead of games against Switzerland and Kosovo.
The Newcastle ace can expect to play an important role, and he will feature alongside Alexander Isak in the coming days.
Isak left Newcastle for Liverpool on deadline day but is still looking to really kickstart his season.
The striker missed most of pre-season as he fought for a transfer, meaning his start to life at Anfield has been slow.
Isak is now hoping to use the international period to really find his best form again, and that goes for Elanga as well.
Strong displays against Switzerland and Kosovo may just give Elanga a boost of confidence before returning to Newcastle, with Magpies fans hoping to see him hit top form sooner rather than later.
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