Elliot Anderson had an uncertain future this summer as Newcastle United were considering loaning him out for the season after his successful stint away last season, but it appears the 19-year-old has earned himself a place in Eddie Howe’s first-team after impressing in pre-season and on the training ground.
Paddy Kenny even believes he will get some playing time now Jonjo Shelvey is injured, telling Football Insider: “That’s what happens in football, one door closes and another one opens.
“Anderson now has the big opportunity because Shelvey is going to be out for at least 3 months. He is a young lad who has done well out on loan. Eddie Howe was always going to give him that chance by the sounds of things.
“Now he has an even bigger chance because Shelvey is going to miss half of the season. He is one to keep an eye on and let’s see how many games he gets.” Shelvey is expected to be out until November and it remains to be seen if Howe will sign a replacement.
Anderson has scored seven goals with five assists from 22 games for the U18s, scored 16 goals with three assists from 32 games for the U21s and made two appearances for the first-team.
He’s an attacking-midfielder who can score and create goals an equal amount but would have to play a more withdrawn role in Howe’s system, as Newcastle have a three-man engine room and rely on creativity from out wide. Anderson would probably need to play alongside more defensive-minded midfielders, so he can flourish in the final third.
The 19-year-old is regularly training with the senior squad and has been in the matchday squad for both of Newcastle’s Premier League games this campaign, so his future looks bright.
