Newcastle United are in the market for a speedster in attack and believe they have found exactly that in Anthony Elanga
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher(Image: Sky Sports)
Anthony Elanga's pace is "absolutely electrifying" exclaimed Jamie Carragher as he commentated on Sky Sports' coverage of Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United back in May. After all, the winger had just used said speed to win a free-kick which led to a Nikola Milenkovic winner for Nuno Espirito Santo's men.
That particular Elanga sprint was the fastest of the London Stadium showdown and came as no surprise given the wide man has become known for his outrageous pace. The Newcastle United transfer target also registered the second fastest sprint of last season entirely, missing out on top spot due to Tottenham's Micky van de Ven, who clocked 10.31 metres per second dash back in September.
Elanga may not have earned the fastest move of the campaign but in the top 18 sprints of last year, he has a whopping six entries on the list. The Swede also ranked as the fifth-fastest Premier League footballer last term, clocking up speeds of 36.2km/h.
The prior campaign saw him top the charts for attacking speed, with a top pace of 36.91 km/h; a 7.7% increase on his previous season’s high.
Newcastle fans, who are waiting patiently for positive news on the club's pursuit of Elanga's signature, are dreaming of a frontline featuring the 23-year-old, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. Few Premier League defenders will relish facing arguably the fastest attacking trio in the top flight.
Elanga also showcased his remarkable speed against former employers Manchester United earlier this year, taking just nine seconds to run a total of 85 metres, with the ball at his feet, finishing off a slick counter-attacking move from Forest.
”It is about attacking the space and getting to the opposite goal as quick as I can," Elanga said after the goal. "I saw the space and I believe I’m one of the fastest players in the league.
“The finish is something I have been trying to work on. Left foot or right foot, I am quite comfortable with both feet this season.”
Newcastle have been desperately keen to add pace to their backline in recent windows but Elanga's arrival would mean a significant upgrade at the opposite end of the pitch when it comes to speed and power.
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