A product of the famous Wallsend Boys Club, Elliot Anderson looks to be improving every time he steps onto the pitch. Having been at the club since he was eight years old, he's showing real ability and could go down as one of Newcastle's best products of the youth system.
Elliot has represented Newcastle right through the age groups and there was strong word coming out the young boy from Whitley Bay had it all. Although he made his senior debut under Steve Bruce in January back in 2021, it was his loan spell at Bristol Rovers last season what showcased his ability. Playing a vital part in Bristol Rovers' promotion to League one, he contributed 7 goals in 21 appearances with former Magpie and current Bristol Rovers Manager Joey Barton predicting Elliot's impact once he returned on Tyneside last June.
“I think Elliot is capable of getting in Newcastle’s first team this summer if Eddie Howe plays him in some of the pre-season games, he’s a much better player than I was. He’s got a real chance of becoming a major player in Newcastle’s first team with the correct guidance in the next period, and what better club can you be at in English football at the minute.”
The young Geordie will always be seen as a hero at the Memorial Stadium, as he scored an 85th minute vital goal in a thrilling 7-0 win against Scunthorpe United on the last day of the season in League 2. That goal secured Bristol Rover's promotion on goal difference and put Elliot in the headlines for all the right reasons.
Since being involved in the first team , Elliot has made 13 appearances giving the side real energy and strong work ethic. He's a versatile individual with Eddie Howe trusting him in both wide-forward positions as well as sitting in a three of the midfield. Elliot was close to showing the league what he's all about as he scored a brilliant headed goal in Newcastle's last away fixture against Nottingham Forest. Unfortunately the goal was ruled out wrongly, after a strange VAR decision taking the young boy's golden moment away. Newcastle won that game with Alexander Isak getting the headlines scoring the two goals, but Elliot's introduction to the second half played a massive part in Newcastle getting the three points.
It's maybe unfair on the in form and incredibly tenacious Sean Longstaff to single out Elliot Anderson as a homegrown spark, but what is evident is that Elliot has that raw ability to his game which could prove to be vital as Newcastle look to build a young talented squad. He has everything in front of him and under Eddie Howe could go to the very top. He could find himself in the same company as Alan Shearer, Peter Beardsley, Chris Waddle, Paul Gascoigne, who all went on to have illustrious careers. It's also worth noting Scotland could have a real star on their hands, as he has opted to represent the Tartan Army over England. Maybe something for Gareth Southgate and the FA to look into....
Comments