Anthony Elanga reacts to becoming James Bond 007 at Newcastle United
Anthony Elanga is not concerned by his lack of goal involvements at Newcastle United.
Anthony Elanga is “staying focused” in the knowledge that his time will come at Newcastle United.
The Swede has endured a mixed start to life on Tyneside following his £55million move from Nottingham Forest. Elanga has performed best in the Champions League fixtures against Barcelona and Union Saint-Gilloise.
However, in all competitions this season, the winger is yet to record a goal or an assist. Rival fans have crowned Elanga as Newcastle’s 007 - a reference to James Bond and meme culture for registering zero goal contributions from his opening seven Premier League games.
‘Marathon not a sprint’ - Anthony Elanga
Elanga is not concerned about his sluggish start and expects everything to fall into place soon. He told Swedish media: “It is a marathon, not a sprint. It is about just staying focused. I know how good I am and how good I can be. When I get the chance, I have to take it.
“When a goal comes, it will click. It is a new system, new players and they will get comfortable with me and I with them.”
Anthony Elanga praises Eddie Howe
The 23-year-old also hailed Eddie Howe as the best manager he has worked under. Elanga added: “He is a fantastic coach, who I am learning a lot from. For me, he is the best coach I have ever had. He helps me a lot on and off the field and I feel like I am getting better, that is the most important thing.
“I have played ten games, started six of them. We will have 60 games this year and the coach is smart and knows what he’s doing. The way we play takes a lot of strain on the body, it requires intensity. He tries to keep everyone fresh and ready. We have won games, that is the most important thing.”
‘Criticism is harsh’ - Eddie Howe
Howe has backed the big-money signing to come good - slamming the “harsh” treatment of him. The Toon boss believes it is not entirely Elanga’s fault for enduring a barren spell.
“It’s harsh to say he’s got no goals or assists,” Howe said. “Statistically, that is right. But you look at the chances he has created and sometimes it’s not on him that players he has served haven’t scored. I always think that is a tough one.
“He has done his job several times but it hasn’t ended up in a goal. I have been really pleased with his general contribution and he’s looked a threat.
“You see what strengths he will bring. He has that raw pace and power that is so difficult to defend against. But I think he can get better and improve and we can help him do that as we continue to work with him.”