Anthony Elanga: Eddie Howe has commented on the winger’s recent impact for Newcastle United.
The £55million summer signing has been subject to much scrutiny given his limited impact on the pitch during the first half of the season.
But a string of encouraging performances following his first goal for the club, albeit a consolation, last time out at Manchester City, has provided some encouragement.
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Eddie Howe ‘delighted’ for Anthony Elanga
With Anthony Gordon a major doubt for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Brentford at St James’ Park, Elanga is poised for his first start at St James’ Park in over two months.
When asked if Newcastle are finally starting to see signs of the player that convinced them to pay £55million in the summer, Howe said: “Yeah, I think we've always seen that. I've said many times, you put the highlights of his performances together.
“Since he's been with us, I think you'd see a player that's, obviously, dynamic and quick and really direct.
“He's done a load of good things that could have led to goals. But I was just really pleased that he got that reward of the goal. And it was a great goal as well.
“There was no sign of danger, really, when he received the ball. He darts inside two players and curls a brilliant left-footed finish. Delighted for him.
“Hopefully, that's the start of many. And a lift in his belief in himself and what he can contribute. There's no doubting his ability.
“So, yeah, a really good thing for him.”
Eddie Howe on Newcastle United squad
Elanga was brought in to help bolster Newcastle’s squad and become the starting right-winger in the side.
But the Swedish international has been limited to eight Premier League starts so far.
Injuries to Jacob Murphy, who is now back available, and now Gordon, have allowed Elanga to come into the side and make an impact.
But Newcastle’s squad on the whole have struggled to cope with the demanding fixture schedule that has seen them play 38 games - equivalent to a full Premier League season’s worth of matches - already this season.
“With a full bill of health, the squad is more than strong enough,” Howe insisted. “With one or two injuries, I still think it's strong enough.
“But I think if you get four or five injuries in one position, then possibly not. But I think it's a really difficult thing to manage because if you have two bigger squads, I think you have problems the other way.
“If you have two thinner squads, you have problems the other way. It's getting that balance right. At the start of the season, I really liked the look of the team, the squad. I think it had a really good feel to it.
“Of course, through the season, we've had different blows and players missing and key players missing. None more so in the last few weeks, really, where our midfield has been hit.
“And of course, our backline has been hit for a long time now and that's probably been the biggest concern for us.”
Newcastle head into Saturday’s match with Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon set to miss the match. Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley are also doubts but could return.
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