Who is Elliot Anderson? Meet the youth star tipped to make leap to Newcastle United squad

And some suggest the 18-year-old could even be involved this weekend when Chelsea come to St James’s Park.

So who is the youngster making waves on Tyneside? Here’s a profile of United prospect.

What position does he play?

Anderson plays primarily as a number 10 – and has done so successfully for United’s youth sides – although the player has been played as a central midfielder in recent times for the under-23 side.

What’s his style of play?

The teenager is never happier than when the ball is at his feet. A player with a keen eye for goal – as shown this week against Bolton – but who also has the ability to beat a man, or two.

Anderson is also a player the Magpies’ youth coaches have earmarked as a future leader, handing him the under-23 side’s armband this week.

His most impressive performances for the United youths?

Anderson has scored five goals in seven competitive games for the under-23s and has only just turned 18. His goals have all been different too – a header, penalty, lob vs Bolton. Speaking to those who have watched him, they say most of the under-23s’ attacking play this season has come through him. He is said to have become physically stronger during lockdown too, making him much better in 50/50 duels.

His stand out performance probably came last time out against Bolton in the Papa Johns Trophy – a game in which he could, and should have scored a hat-trick. They player did, of course, net twice in the game anyway. Anderson also shone earlier this season when the under-23s came from 3-0 down against Leeds United to win 4-3.

Will he be involved this weekend?

He has certainly got people talking but it may well prove a step too far this weekend against Chelsea. It would be a tough game to make his senior debut.

Anderson is, according to those who have kept an eye on him, the best player at that age group and having signed a new four-year deal last week, looks to have time on his side to make an impact in the Newcastle United first-team.