'Really strange' - Eddie Howe reveals the truth behind Anthony Elanga's struggles at Newcastle United
Anthony Elanga joined Newcastle United from Premier League counterparts Nottingham Forest for £55m in the summer.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has launched a staunch defence of £55million summer signing Anthony Elanga.
Elanga became the Magpies’ first signing of the summer when he joined from Nottingham Forest on July 12 but despite his Premier League experience has failed to hit the ground running on Tyneside.
The 23-year-old has registered just one assist in his opening 25 appearances - 11 of which have been starts, while the wait for his first goal continues.
Late on against Chelsea last Saturday, Elanga showed blistering pace to latch onto Aaron Ramsdale’s quick throw before opting to shoot and flashing his shot wide instead of finding either Harvey Barnes or Yoane Wissa in the middle.
That has again put Elanga’s struggling form under the spotlight but Howe has strongly defended the winger ahead of the visit to former club Manchester United on Boxing Day.
Eddie Howe launches staunch defence of Anthony Elanga
Howe said: “I think it's really strange, because I think if you put all his best moments together in a Newcastle shirt, you'd put a showreel together of a player that's got some unbelievable attributes and has done some really, really good things for the team.
“Even the moment on Saturday, I think not many other players would have been able to elevate themselves into that position because they wouldn't have his speed and his athleticism to get there in the first place. So, I think sometimes we're very quick to analyse things negatively rather than the positive.
“Yes, the end part was just slightly missing. And I'd say that's been probably the thing that's held Anthony back from getting the recognition and the praise that I think is to come in the future for him. And the actual end product, the goals and assists that we know that he will want, we will want from him.
“But it's there, the tools are there. And a lot of it comes with feeling, it comes with confidence, it comes with the belonging aspect. And when you come to a new club, as quickly as you can feel those things, the better player you'll have.
“I really believe in him, that's never wavered from me. I see the professional that he is and how hard he's worked behind the scenes and how well he wants to do. One of our best trainers every single day.
“So, I think when you put all those things together, then I believe really strongly that Anthony will have a great time here.”