Eddie Howe namechecks £75m Newcastle United 'flops' when making big Anthony Elanga claim
Eddie Howe is ‘confident’ Anthony Elanga will find his best form for Newcastle United and has urged a showing of support for the winger.
Eddie Howe has urged Newcastle United supporters to ‘bring love’ to his players after Anthony Elanga’s tough start to life on Tyneside.
Elanga became Newcastle’s second most expensive signing ever when he joined from Nottingham Forest for £55million during the summer transfer window. Only the recently departed Alexander Isak and Nick Woltemade, who was signed later in the summer, have commanded higher transfer fees.
The Swedish international arrived with plenty of expectation in the only position Newcastle had failed to address since the 2021 takeover. The form of Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron previously had provided short-term solutions to a long-term need to upgrade in the position.
And in Elanga, Newcastle believed they had found the long-term solution. At 23, the winger had contributed 11 goals and 21 assists in 82 appearances across two impressive seasons at Nottingham Forest - a goal contribution every 2.5 matches.
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But Elanga has failed to carry his Forest form on at Newcastle with no goals and one assist in 26 appearances - a goal contribution every 26 matches.
The winger marked his return from injury after three weeks out to a mixed reception as he came off the bench during Newcastle’s 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg defeat to Manchester City at St James’ Park.
Elanga helped set up a chance with one of his first contributions in the game but that was ultimately as good as it got for the Newcastle No. 20 as his heavy touches and wayward passes in the closing stages of the game were met by audible groans from the home support.
Eddie Howe keeping the faith in Anthony Elanga
When asked about Elanga’s performance the other night and his overall impact at Newcastle so far, Howe responded: “It's a difficult one because he comes on very late in the game, he's just come back from an injury so he hasn't trained regularly and everytime you step on the pitch you get judged straight away.
“He did a couple of really nice things. The margins between success and failure are always so small. Anthony will be fine. He's an incredible professional.
“My big wish is he plays in an environment where he feels safe and free to express himself. There's no denying the qualities he brings to the team. He'll need a bit of time to find his best form but I'm confident he'll get there.”
Howe then namechecked two Newcastle players that started life slowly and initially deemed flops at Newcastle before turning things around. And has called upon everyone to ‘bring love to all’ Newcastle players to help them perform at their best.
“It's my message to every player, to love and enjoy the players we have and try to help them find their best form,” Howe said.
“We've seen players who have taken time to find their best rhythm, Anthony Gordon, Joelinton. We see Anthony every day and see his qualities. He's a unique player, there's not many like him.
“He has serious qualities that we need. Let's bring love to all our players.”