If Anthony Elanga is as impressive on the pitch as he comes across off it, we’re in for a treat.
His first big interview with NUFC TV is superb and features insight into his first chats with Eddie Howe, who was clearly a major factor behind his decision to sign.
Elanga also discussed the strong connections he has with several players, not just Alexander Iska and Emil Krafth, and reveals how he is so determined to improve every element of his game after sealing a £55m move from Nottingham Forest.
Having already spoken to Howe and the rest of the team, which he remarked was a “really nice chat”, Elanga looks to be hoping to become the next Eddie Howe success story.
Discussing the move, Elanga spoke highly of the “amazing” feedback he got from Newcastle players on Howe, also revealing that he was a “big factor” behind his decision to join:
> _“We’ve spoken before as well, but we’ve had a really nice chat about everything…about how I’m feeling, how I’m settling in…any questions I need, just go to him and ask. And (he asked) if I’m ready – and I said yes!_
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> _“I’ve got a good idea of his plans for next seasons. I really want to buy into the culture. It’s the perfect time to join._
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> _“Having spoken to the lads before coming, they told me amazing things about the club, this city, the fanbase and the manager as well. Everyone that’s worked under him has spoken highly of the manager.”_
Asked about the Eddie Howe pull and his track record of developing players since landing the job on Tyneside, Elanga added:
> _“He was a big factor (in his decision to join). You see the way he has improved Bruno, Anthony Gordon, Alex (Isak). He’s improved everyone, and everyone has enjoyed working under him, which is an important thing to remember._
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> _“Every player is enjoying it, which is helping. He’s brought a team spirit to the team and everyone seems to be together. It’s like a family club. That’s helped so much on and off the pitch…and it’s showing.”_
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> _“I feel like he (Howe)can improve each and every single area of my game._ _I’ve still got loads of improvements to do, and I’m young still. I’m striving for more, for myself, always that extra percent, and I feel like he’s gonna help me a lot.”_
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> _“Every coach and staff member here will help me a lot. Even the nutritionist, I could go through each and every one of them – they will all help me get better. And that’s the mentality I’ve got._ _I always want to improve, I always want to become the best version of myself every day._
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> _“I think when I get asked a question ‘What’s my best game, what’s my best assist, what’s my best goal?’ I always say it’s gonna be the next one, because that’s the kind of player I am.”_
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> _“Coming here is the right step and it’s the perfect time for my career to elevate even more – having a manager like Eddie to work under will be amazing.”_
It’s the perfect mentality that Howe loves and the team needs. It’s no surprise why the boss spent so long chasing him, and this could be the start of a spectacular stint at the club for Elanga under Howe.
Joining Newcastle will allow Elanga and Isak to build on their partnership for the Swedish National Team, and get the pair firing ahead next summer’s World Cup.
However, it seems Isak and fellow Swede Emil Krafth aren’t the only Mags Elanga has connections with.
As it turns out, the 23-year-old played with close friend Will Osula for Man Utd’s under-12s (news to us!), Tino Livramento in an England under-14 training camp and spending some time in Portugal with Sven Botman last year!
> _“He (Isak) someone I know really well on and off the pitch. Obviously I had the opportunity to play with him at international level. I think getting to play at a club level will make things a lot better, we’ll be able to improve our connection even more._
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> _“It’s exciting, not just with Alex – I’ve spoken to Alex and Emil a lot – but all round the team. I trained with Sven last year in Portugal, and I’ve spoken to Ant (Gordon)._
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> _“I also played with Tino in an England under-14s camp, so I’ve known Tino for a long time._
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> _“Osula’s like my little brother. I’ve known him for a long time. When I was Man Utd, he came on trial when he was 12. He’s not changed! He’s still the same Will Osula that everyone knows. He’s told me amazing things about the club._
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> _“If you know people already, it makes the working situation easier and being able to speak different languages helps me communicate with players too.”_
Elanga is no stranger to adapting having moved from Sweden with his mother at the age of 11, but it’s a huge bonus that he has strong connections already, speaks great English and several other languages.
A great character, a calm head on young shoulders and such an exciting talent with the potential to take his game to new heights under Eddie Howe.