Elliot Anderson is enjoying a breakthrough season with Newcastle United, but has admitted that sometimes he tries too hard when he comes on.
The youngster was the talk of the Toon during the summer. After excelling in League Two with Bristol Rovers, he had a plethora of teams queueing up to sign him.
There was interest from the Championship and League One, but Anderson was actually able to force his way into Premier League contention.
His pre-season performances forced Eddie Howe to change his side, who decided to keep Anderson in the group for the league campaign.
While he is yet to start in the Premier League, Anderson has been treated to seven cameos, as well as two League Cup starts.
We have seen moments of magic from the 20-year-old, but he is yet to grab that elusive first goal or assist in competitive action.
It’s coming though, and Anderson has now taken time to assess his start to the season with the Magpies.
Anderson admits he tries too hard
The midfielder has spoken to the club’s official website, and discussed his cameos in a black and white shirt.
“I’m trying to take every minute I have on the pitch and then try to make it a longer time when I’m next on,” Anderson said.
“Something I’ve been a bit guilty of is maybe trying too hard when I’ve came on. That’s the tough part of a game, though, when you don’t have too much time.
“I’ve never really doubted myself. Sometimes, when things aren’t going well, you can question yourself a bit if it’s going to happen or not but you’ve got to stick with the process and trust it will come one day.”
Obviously more to come from Anderson
There have been moments when it’s been clear that Anderson has been trying too hard. But coming on as a substitute isn’t easy.
His best cameos have often came when Newcastle are still searching for a winner or an equaliser. The Geordie wonderkid looked excellent against Wolves and Crystal Palace.
However, other cameos were less productive. He got plenty of minutes against Fulham and Southampton, but they were difficult games to be introduced to. Howe’s side were already well in front when he came on, meaning the game was basically won. It isn’t easy as a substitute to then influence a game that has already been settled.
But Anderson’s talent is clear for all to see. He is going to be a star for Newcastle, and these Premier League experiences will serve him well in the future.
He might think he’s trying to hard, but it’s all part of his development as a player. It will only make him better in the coming years, which is an exciting prospect for Toon fans.