A leading Spanish media outlet was very impressed by Anthony Elanga’s performance for Newcastle United against Barcelona in the Champions League on Thursday night.
Elanga was brilliant for Newcastle United against Barcelona, running the Spanish champions ragged with his searing pace.
Speed wasn’t the only facet to Elanga’s game, however.
Indeed, Newcastle’s £55million signing produced some brilliant deliveries at the end of his runs, teeing up both Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes in the first half.
Neither player could find the finish but that’s not really Elanga’s fault. Dropped from the starting lineup in recent games, this was his best performance yet.
As such, the Spanish media were impressed.
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Spanish media hail Anthony Elanga’s performance against Barcelona
Marca, one of Spain’s leading news outlets, were full of praise for the Sweden international.
They claimed that Elanga did the “unspeakable” to Barca full-back Gerard Martin during his outing, while also suggesting the Newcastle star gave his counterpart “no respite”.
They wrote: “The left-back, a starter these weeks due to Alejandro Balde’s absence, suffered the unspeakable tonight.
“Elanga gave him no respite. He was seen overpowered. He tried hard and showed discipline, but the Swede got the better of him in most plays.”
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Newcastle fans were angry at Elanga’s substitution against Barcelona, such was the level of his performance.
Barca couldn’t deal with his speed, and the quality of his delivery surely deserved at least one assist.
Still, to Eddie Howe’s credit, replacement Jacob Murphy was the one who ultimately got the assist for Gordon’s late goal.
| Newcastle United vs Barcelona statistics | Anthony Elanga |
| Minutes played | 63 |
| Touches | 24 |
| Touches in Barcelona’s box | 6 |
| Chances created | 2 |
| Ground duels won | 0/2 |
That’s now two assists in as many games for Murphy, who is responding to the fact Newcastle spent so much money on a player in his position.
It means, for the first time in what feels like an age, the right-wing position is looking very strong indeed. Murphy was brilliant last season but had little in the way of support, particularly once Miguel Almiron left the club.
Now, however, it’s one of the stronger positions in the Newcastle United squad.
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