Eddie Howe raved about 20-year-old Newcastle player in pre-season, it’s clear he was right

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At the start of the season, Eddie Howe did not make any outlandish predictions about his Newcastle United team.

He did not back them to win the Premier League title like Stuart Pearce did, nor did he tip his side to make it all the way to the Champions League final.

However, he did make one prediction, and after 11 games in all competitions, it is already coming true.

Eddie Howe tipped Elliot Anderson to have a big season

Newcastle had a lot of star performers in pre-season. Anthony Gordon looked very good, while Lewis Miley turned heads with his performances at the age of 17.

But the Magpies’ main man in pre-season was Elliot Anderson. The local lad was absolutely on fire as the Toon players warmed up for the new campaign. He provided goals and assists aplenty, hinting that this was going to be a breakout year for the academy graduate.

Eddie Howe thought as much, confirming that Anderson was a fully fledged first-team player, looked at in the same light as major names such as Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.

The Newcastle boss spoke glowingly about Anderson during pre-season, describing him as the club’s ‘fittest player‘ and someone with a ‘big part to play‘.

He then took it one step further following the Champions League draw with AC Milan, with Howe stating that ‘it’s a big season expected from me to him‘ because the youngster now has his complete trust.

That has led to more opportunities, and Anderson has certainly seized them.

The Newcastle manager was right about Anderson

Having been on the fringes last season, Anderson is now a regular for the Magpies. He has featured in every single game so far, including the two Champions League contests.

Not only that, but he has actually been a starter in the Premier League. Anderson has played a key role in Newcastle getting their season back on track, starting their four last games.

He has helped Howe’s side pick up 10 points from a possible 12, ensuring Newcastle have actually started this season better than they did the last.

That is an incredible achievement, and they are doing it with academy graduates like Anderson playing a key role. The only thing that is missing from his performances are goals, but they will certainly come at some point this season.

With Sandro Tonali still settling into life on Tyneside and Joelinton and Joe Willock struggling for fitness, Newcastle have needed Anderson. Despite Newcastle’s riches, Howe has put his trust in a young man from Whitley Bay, giving him the stage to show why he is going to be a Toon player for a very long time.