Eddie Howe says ‘brilliant’ 20-year-old has really impressed him this summer

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Eddie Howe hasn’t yet picked his Newcastle United starting eleven for the season opener in two weeks but one man who is at the forefront of his mind right now is Elliot Anderson.

Last night Newcastle signed off their Premier League Summer Series USA tour with a 2-1 win over Brighton thanks to two late goals from Elliot Anderson, both of which showed off his strength and determination.

Anderson has been on the cusp of the first-team for a while now and was used, albeit sparingly, last season by Eddie Howe, but things could be about to change for the 20-year-old from Whitley Bay as he has been simply outstanding in pre-season.

‘He looks stronger, leaner, quicker’ – Eddie Howe on Anderson

While a lot of the buzz has been around Lewis Miley and Anthony Gordon‘s vastly improved form, the real headlines belong to Elliot Anderson. Two goals against Brighton took him to four goals in pre-season, add to that a couple of assists and it’s clear that Anderson is not messing around.

Eddie Howe now knows he has a big decision to make in two weeks time when Aston Villa come to Newcastle to get the Premier League season underway.

After the game Eddie Howe spoke to Keith Downie about Anderson saying: “He came back for our fitness testing as the fittest player — and by some distance. He looks stronger, leaner & quicker. You don’t have the strength to score goals like that in the last minute if you’re not super-fit. The goals are no accident.

“Have I picked my team for Villa on the first game of the season? No way. You want players to force their way into your eyesight — and Elliot has certainly done that.”

Anderson has made a strong case for a place in the starting XI

Newcastle’s midfield is looking very stacked now and finding a place for all this talent is going to be difficult, but if one man has earned his place in that starting line-up against Aston Villa it’s Elliot Anderson.

The strength he showed for both goals last night was phenomenal, especially given how late on in the game it was. After missing a couple of chances earlier in the game – one of which was on a plate and looked a sure goal but for a super save by the Brighton keeper – Anderson didn’t let his head drop and got his reward in the end.

Hailed for his ‘brilliant‘ performances by Kieran Trippier, Anderson has shown everyone that he has bought into Howe’s philosophy and is ready help bring success to Newcastle.