Elliot Anderson clip proves why he should be in the Newcastle first-team

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There was a lot of fury when Elliot Anderson didn’t even make the Newcastle bench on Sunday.

With Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron out injured, it seemed all but certain that the local lad would get a chance in the first-team.

Some fans even wanted Anderson to start against West Brom. But when the team was announced at 11am, the youngster was nowhere to be seen.

Anderson missed out completely, while Newcastle played out one of the most boring Premier League games you’ll likely ever see.

But a day later, Anderson had the chance to prove Steve Bruce made a mistake in ignoring him.

On Monday afternoon, Newcastle’s Under-23 side were in action against rivals Sunderland. The Magpies named a strong lineup that included Anderson and Matty Longstaff.

Sunderland took the lead early but Adam Wilson immediately levelled things up.

The equaliser came from a wonderful counterattack that Anderson was at the heart of.

With the number 10 on his back, Anderson picked up possession in his own half. He muscled his way past a red and white shirt, then burst into space with intent. With options ahead of him, Anderson picked the right one, playing a perfectly weighted ball into the path of his teammate.

While he didn’t get the assist, Anderson was at the heart of this goal. It all come from his courage and endeavour in possession.

Can Anderson make the difference?

With Almiron and Saint-Maximin injured, we need someone with a bit of creativity. Both of those players are great runners in possession and can get us up the pitch.

If Bruce is so adamant that he can’t change the system, then he needs to pick players who can operate in a similar way.

While Anderson doesn’t have much first-team experience, he’s worth a punt. He can’t do any worse than his teammates did on Sunday.

You can see that he wants to get on the ball and make things happen. He’s a risk-taker, just like Saint-Maximin.

Despite being only 18-years-old, he is ready for senior football.

Injuries to key players have handed him the perfect opening, and his performance for the Under-23s should show Bruce that he can make the difference at senior level.