Newcastle United transfer target Anthony Elanga was impressed by Elliot Anderson’s performance for the England U21s as they booked their place in the European Championship final.
England beat the Netherlands in the Euros semi-final, with Newcastle United star Tino Livramento once again impressing.
Anderson is another notable figure in the Young Lions squad. Indeed, Newcastle didn’t want to sell Anderson but had to cash in due to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Selling the midfielder to Nottingham Forest helped the club balance the books last season, meaning they avoided a potential points deduction from the Premier League.
Still, Newcastle are in a stronger PSR position now and have targeted a move for Elanga.
Geordie Boot Boys understands Newcastle had a bid rejected for Elanga, who plays alongside Anderson at the City Ground.
Here’s what he made of the 22-year-old’s outing.
Elliot Anderson looks on during a UEFA Euro U21 game between England and Spain.
Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images
Anthony Elanga’s message to Elliot Anderson
After the game, Anderson took to social media platform Instagram.
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He captioned a post: “Big performance! Onto the final!”
Elanga was impressed with the fact Anderson finished the game donning the captain’s armband. He replied: “Captain yeahhh”.
Manchester City’s James McAtee – who has also been linked with Newcastle – is the usual captain for Lee Carsley’s side but he was substituted towards the closing stages of the 2-1 win over the Dutch.
Elliot Anderson’s stats for England U21s vs Netherlands U21s
Anderson put in another brilliant performance for his country, making the decision to sell him all the more painful for Newcastle fans.
Granted, PSR rules forced the club into a corner. At the time, selling Anderson and Yankuba Minteh was much more palatable than cashing in on any of Newcastle’s truly elite players.
In the long term, it might look like a mistake, should Anderson go on to star for the senior England team.
England U21 vs Netherlands U21 statistics Elliot Anderson
Assists 1
Shots 1
Accurate passes 50/57 (88%)
Chances created 1
Passes into final third 7
Recoveries 7
Interceptions 2
Elliot Anderson’s stats for England U21s vs Netherlands U21s, data via FotMob
For now, however, he’s an U21 international and proved excellent again.
According to FotMob data, he created one big chance in an assist to Harvey Elliott, made seven passes into the final third, contributed seven recoveries and made two interceptions.