Eddie Howe faced with two Elliot Anderson dilemmas – The Athletic

The Athletic have released an in-depth piece on Elliot Anderson today, discussing his immediate first-team prospects, his long-term future and what Eddie Howe considers to be his best position.

He’s expected to receive more minutes after his game-changing cameo at Nottingham Forest and wrongly disallowed goal – especially now Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almiron are out through injury – but Howe is yet to decide what to do with the 20-year-old this summer.

The club believe 2023/24 to be ‘critical’ for the player’s development and have received huge interest from the Championship and Scottish Premiership should be leave on loan; which is very possible should he not ‘feature regularly’ next season.

It’s thought he could benefit greatly if we qualify for the Europa League or Europa Conference League, but a top-four finish and Champions League football may have the opposite effect, as the club would likely ramp up recruitment and send him out on loan. Either way, it’s a big decision for Howe to make, especially if he continues to play like he did last week. Should he do so, Newcastle may even look to sign one less attacker this summer, as there’s huge hope behind the scenes that we have a real star on our hands.

The Toon boss is also unsure on Anderson’s best position. As of now, Howe feels the Geordie talent is ‘not reliable enough in possession’ or ‘experienced enough to control Premier League games’ to play in midfield, which explains why he has often operated down the left; the position he often played during that stunning loan spell at Bristol Rovers.

However, despite Howe believing his ‘best position’ is out wide at present, the 45-year-old feels he could be best suited to a central role in the future, giving him plenty food for thought and a player of real versatility that can be “massive for us.”

Asked about Anderson’s role in the squad and recent breakthrough, Howe had this to say:

“What I love about Elliot is he’s versatile. He can play wide, he can play inside. With a small squad, he’s got a huge part to play.”

“I’d probably say wide if I was pinned down to his best position. In the future, maybe more centrally. But that versatility is massive for us.”

“You can play well in youth football and look an outstanding talent, but actually breaking through into the Premier League is incredibly difficult to do.

“We’re a top team and we have top players in his position. He’s competing to try and make that breakthrough.”

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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