Eddie Howe has addressed the comparisons between Newcastle United midfielders Elliot Anderson and Joelinton.
After a season marred by injuries, Elliot Anderson is expected to return to Newcastle United’s starting lineup.
The 21-year-old has only started six Premier League games for Newcastle this season, but he impressed in his most recent outing, a 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Anderson filled in for Joe Willock and Joelinton at St James’ Park, putting on a muscular midfield display.
Anderson’s tenacity, technical brilliance, and physicality have even drawn comparisons to Joelinton’s distinct playing style. When asked if Anderson could replace the Joelinton-shaped hole in Newcastle’s starting lineup, head coach Eddie Howe replied, “I’d say they’re different players.”
“I wouldn’t put them in the same category. Elliot brings his unique version of ball winning, duels but I wouldn’t say he is sort of a natural like Joelinton is, I think that is just more through his passion and endeavour. But what he can bring is a totally different thing technically and his delivery around the box, I think we’ll see that steadily improve through time.
“I think he will be a goalscorer and goal creator for us, we’ve seen that in training for a long period of time. I can’t speak highly enough of how he has come back from his injury, I think he’s in a really good place.”
Joelinton hopes to return from a thigh injury before the end of the season, having recently signed a new four-year contract at St James’ Park.
Anderson impressed for Newcastle in preseason but is yet to earn his first competitive goal for the club.
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