Eddie Howe is ‘really pleased’ with how mature 21-year-old Newcastle player has recently become

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It is not easy to play for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United, which is why it is so impressive when young players thrive at St James’ Park.

While Anthony Gordon is a key player for Eddie Howe right now, it took him a long time before he fully understood his role in this Newcastle United team.

The Toon boss asks a lot of his players, both physically and mentally. This is a team that presses a lot, while Howe’s tactics are very far removed from the traditional 4-4-2.

He often tweaks his system and style depending on the opponent, resulting in him asking his players to play in a unique way.

That is something he has asked Elliot Anderson to do a lot this season, and the 21-year-old has always delivered despite still being so young and relatively inexperienced.

Eddie Howe comments on Elliot Anderson’s recent form

And that is why Howe is such a big fan of Anderson. He recognised his ability shortly after arriving at St James’ Park, and the midfielder has since gone on to develop a lot.

Physically, he is one of the fittest players at the club. But it is the tactical understanding that Howe appreciates the most, having spoke to the media about Anderson ahead of Wednesday night’s game against Manchester United.

“Elliot has come through the academy here,” he said.

“When I first came to the club, we were aware of him and his talents.

“He’s really worked on all aspects of the game, and I think he’s been really reliable for us. Whatever position I have used in him, he has done very well. Tactically I have asked him to do a couple of things that the team has needed, and he’s done it very well.

“I am really pleased with his level of maturity and his tactical understanding.”

Howe has given Anderson a lot of responsibility at Newcastle

There are a lot of positive things that Howe can say about Anderson, but the biggest compliment he can pay him is how mature he is. That is a big deal for a player so young, and will serve him well in the coming years as he continues his development.

That maturity and tactical awareness has allowed Howe to trust the local lad, which has resulted in Anderson having to play some really difficult roles.

The most challenging one was in the 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, where Anderson operated in a hybrid position. In possession, he was a left-sided centre-midfielder. But when Newcastle lost the ball, he was almost like a wing-back. Howe made the tactical call to nullify Ange Postecoglou’s style of play, and it worked brilliantly. That is a testament to Anderson, who did not put a foot wrong.

He also had a bit of a different role on Saturday, as Newcastle drew 1-1 with Brighton. It initially looked like he would be in the middle, but Anderson was actually used more out wide. Howe looked to stretch the pitch and press Brighton high, which resulted in Anderson having another tactically challenging role.

While it was a tough afternoon for Newcastle, he was one of our better performers. He got an assist too, setting up Sean Longstaff for the equaliser.

This has not been the breakthrough season that many expected for Anderson, with a back injury stunting his development. But he has still managed to show real signs of progress, and Howe is understandably delighted.