Eddie Howe was impressed with Anthony Elanga’s competitive debut for Newcastle United.
Newcastle paid £55million to sign Elanga from Nottingham Forest and will need the Sweden star to hit the ground running given the absence of compatriot Alexander Isak.
Elanga recorded 11 Premier League assists last season during a fine season for Nottingham Forest and his addition ended Newcastle’s long search for a new right winger.
The 23-year-old almost enjoyed a dream competitive debut for the Magpies but squandered a brilliant chance in the opening stages of Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Aston Villa.
Speaking shortly after the game, Howe delivered his assessment.
Anthony Elanga reacts during Newcastle United's Premier League game against Aston Villa.
Photo by Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty Images
Eddie Howe impressed by Anthony Elanga on Newcastle debut
The Newcastle United manager admitted Jacob Murphy was nursing a tightness in his Achilles, which at least partly explains the decision to start Elanga.
Murphy did come on but seemingly wasn’t fit enough to start.
Howe spoke positively of Elanga’s first run out in the Premier League as a Newcastle player.
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He said (via BBC Sport): “He was really good. I thought he was direct, showed real quality. He looks like a player who will elevate us.”
Anthony Elanga stats for Newcastle United against Aston Villa
Elanga really should have scored that glorious chance but, overall, it was a positive display.
Indeed, according to WhoScored data, he played two key passes – one of which was the fantastic ball that eventually caused Ezri Konsa’s red card.
The former Manchester United youngster also drew three fouls and constantly caused Villa problems with his searing speed.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United statistics Anthony Elanga
Key passes 2
Dribbles 1
Fouls drawn 3
Crosses 1
Anthony Elanga’s stats for Newcastle United against Aston Villa, data via WhoScored
It perhaps wasn’t the most eye-catching debut but there are reasons to be positive. Elanga will grow under Howe, who has consistently proven he can improve players while working on Tyneside.
With Liverpool looking relatively vulnerable defensively in their game against Bournemouth on Friday night, Elanga should be licking his lips ahead of next week’s clash.
Newcastle need a big season from Elanga and, with a touch more composure, the early signs about getting one look reasonably promising.