Newcastle United take on Benfica in the Champions League at St James’ Park - and many are wondering whether Anthony Elanga will get the nod.
Things haven’t really gone to plan for Newcastle United so far this season - and the same can be said for Anthony Elanga, too.
While the Magpies have struggled for points, winning just two of their opening eight, so too has £55million summer signing Elanga, who is yet to register a goal or assist so far for Eddie Howe’s side.
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And that’s not been lost on Newcastle United fans, if social media is anything to go by.
Newcastle United fans make their feelings clear on Anthony Elanga (so far)
We asked Newcastle United fans for their thoughts on the performances of the Swedish flyer - and it’s fair to say, while some urge caution, the overwhelming majority feel the player is yet to really show any value in the Magpies’ XI.
To our Facebook page, we asked: “How can Newcastle get Anthony Elanga firing?” And this is what they said...
PJ White: "By playing Murphy."
Nige Smith: "By actually playing him in his position and getting the ball to him."
Steve Thompson: "Did we buy him from Temu?"
Ross Leng: "Coach him on how to beat the full back and put in a half decent cross."
Ian Hardie: "By replacing him with Murphy."
Rod Wrafter: "The best thing to come out of Sweden was ABBA."
Graham Bell: "Elanga was brought in for Isak and will either need to change his game or wait for Wissa to start before we see the best of him. Think he needs to cut in more and shoot and or get into penalty box and pick up on rebounds and Woltemade through balls."
Chris Gibson: "Play the ball over the top he’ll out pace full backs. Isn’t being played ball into space."
Paul Anderson: "He's not being played in a position that will get the best out of him."
John Foster: "Put him on bench and let Murphy show him how it's done."
Scott Paterson: "By benching him where he belongs. Murphy has been brilliant the last season and a half and even now when he gets his chance you can see he creates more chances. Needs to start every game for me."
Paul Robson: "I don't want to sound negative and as a fan I want him to do amazing but when I heard we signed him I knew he wasn't gonna be a Murphy upgrade. I was hoping we'd have gone in for Madueke."
Firman Nugroho: "I saw most of his goals at Forest were through counter attack. That's what we haven't seen in our team. Different system, he needs time to adjust."
Chris Kirk: "Maybe try him on the left."
John Dickson: "I think we should of signed the Bournemouth player."
John Dakers: "Murphy should be given the nod ahead of him. He needs to earn his spot."
Marc Alexander: "Wissa and Elanga are hopefully gonna be a good combo."
Seb Salt: "Some through balls for him to run onto perhaps? He’s had virtually none! All balls seem to be played to his feet or behind him."
Keith Skelton: "Give him time."
John Van Reijn: "I always thought him as a luxury player in the same mould as Maxi."
Martin Short: "Sell him back to Forest."
Chris Spendiff: "Sell him in January."
Mark Brennan: "Drop him on the bench and start Murphy. Make him fight for his place and show it’s not a given."
Clive Thompson: "Make him no2 behind Murphy until he earns his place Murphy did more in 10 mins than he did in 45."
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