Wayne Rooney’s verdict on Anthony Elanga’s Newcastle United career thus far will not surprise supporters.
Elanga has struggled for Newcastle United this season following a £55million move from Nottingham Forest.
While there have been flashes from the Sweden international, Elanga hasn’t recorded an assist in ten Premier League games thus far.
In fact, his only direct contribution towards a goal this season came when he won a penalty against Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League back in October.
While Eddie Howe thinks Elanga will become a crucial player for Newcastle, there’s little doubt things are yet to click for the 23-year-old.
Indeed, Rooney’s rating of Elanga’s form up until this point speaks to that.
Anthony Elanga looks on during the Champions League game between Newcastle United and Benfica.
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
Wayne Rooney grades Anthony Elanga as a 2/5 signing at Newcastle United
The Manchester United and England legend was asked by Prime Video to give a quick-fire rating of various Premier League summer signings and how they’ve performed.
Rooney gave Nick Woltemade a 3/5 rating, though wasn’t quite as generous when it came to Elanga.
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The winger only earned a 2/5 from Rooney, who gave former Newcastle forward Alexander Isak the same rating.
Two reasons why Anthony Elanga will come good for Newcastle United
There’s every reason to think Elanga will come good for Newcastle.
The main one is the Newcastle United manager.
Howe has consistently improved players during his time at the club, such is his ability on the coaching pitch. It took Anthony Gordon months to become the player he (occasionally) is now, after all.
A further reason to think things will turn around is the fact there have been signs of his quality.
Elanga, after all, laid on some fantastic chances against Barcelona. It’s not his fault Gordon and Harvey Barnes couldn’t apply the finishing touch.
It would be foolish to pretend everything has gone to plan, of course. Still, there’s reason for optimism.