The Newcastle hybrid who’s transformed Eddie Howe’s problem position

This season has often been a tale of missing midfielders. First it was Sandro Tonali’s season-ending suspension, then we’ve had long-term injuries to Joelinton and Joe Willock, a recent back issue for Lewis Miley, Bruno Guimaraes walking a tightrope on nine yellow cards and Sean Longstaff playing through the pain.

We’ve lacked consistency in that department, lost some key players at different stages of the season and struggled to get the balance right in their absence, but Elliot Anderson’s return has provided a huge boost at a vital time.

He’s made a major impact since we returned from the international break and helped transform an area of the pitch that was too easily overrun in Joelinton’s absence.

Not only has he added the physicality, intensity and aggression that big Joe brought to that side side, his ball-carrying ability and dynamism has added that offensive spark we often associate with a fully fit and firing Joe Willock.

Since the last international break, we’ve won three and draw one, sending us up to sixth and in pole position for Europa League football following 10 points from a possible 12. Anderson has played a key role in all four of those games, even from the bench.

His spark and urgency was key as he played the final 33 minutes of our heroic comeback win over West Ham. A few days later, he started and shone in our 1-1 draw with Everton, looking every inch a Premier League player and effective at both ends against the likes of Amadou Onana.

The 21-year-old didn’t start at Fulham but played the majority of the game after Willock was forced off in the first-half. Willock wasn’t right, but we improved following Anderson’s introduction. He added some bite to our midfield and helped drive us on to a 1-0 win in the second half, working the ball wide in the build up to Bruno’s winner.

Then to our 4-0 win over Spurs, I thought it was his best performance in a black and white shirt. I gave him a 9/10 in my player ratings piece, saying – ‘He set the tone for a stunning team display. Linked up superbly with Barnes, pressed relentlessly, added some much needed physicality to our midfield and was superb tactically, pulling wide when he needed to track Porro and breaking beyond him regularly. He was everywhere and such a thorn in their side, on and off the ball.‘

Since Joelinton’s injury, we’ve often been accused of being too easy to play against. Soft, vulnerable down our left and too easily bypassed in midfield. Anderson has changed that and looks an exciting mix between Joelinton and Joe Willock.

If he can build on this form, stay fit and have a good pre-season, I wouldn’t be surprised if – like Anthony Gordon – we’re talking about a potential England call-up for our Geordie Maradona next season.