Eddie Howe has revealed how Elliot Anderson was the ‘fittest player by some distance’ as the team made their return to pre-season training earlier this summer.
Anderson has enjoyed a great pre-season so far, scoring four goals in four games, and has now received some strong praise from the boss who has been impressed with his dedication and development.
As Howe mentions, the 20-year-old looked ‘stronger, leaner and quicker’ upon his return to the squad and is certainly pushing his coach for more minutes this season, bagging twice in our Summer Series win over Brighton.
The 45-year-old insists there is ‘no way’ he’s settled on a starting 11 for the Villa game in two weeks time, but admitted that Anderson has ‘forced’ himself into consideration after his impressive displays.
Speaking on Anderson’s development and physical improvement, Howe said:
“He came back for our fitness testing as the fittest player – and by some distance.
“He was very committed to his personal programme and looks stronger, leaner and quicker.
“You don’t score goals like that in the last minute, with the strength of his legs and his upper body to go past an opponent, if you’re not super-fit. Especially in this heat. Those goals don’t come by accident; they come for a reason, and that’s down to him.
“He is in my thoughts for Villa. The team is never set. Someone asked me the other day if I’d picked my team already, but no way.
“There are still more games to come and you want players to not change your opinion, but force their way into your eyesight. Elliot has certainly done that.”
