Anthony Elanga Manchester United
Anthony Elanga, the Swedish winger, has found himself struggling to secure a regular spot in Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United lineup. Despite starting the season as part of Howe’s plans, Elanga has seen his role diminish, with Jacob Murphy now preferred on the right side of the forward line at St James’ Park. This shift has left Elanga grappling with the challenge of adapting to Newcastle’s playing style and establishing himself as a key player.
Chris Waddle said: “He’s not got a run in the team yet really, has he? Jacob Murphy won the shirt back, when everyone assumed he was going to be down the pecking order below Elanga. At Nottingham Forest, they played counter-attacking football. They would hit teams on the break with pace, and they had that with Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi. With Newcastle under Eddie Howe, it’s not about dropping off. It’s about going up high and getting the ball back. Maybe that style of play has caught Anthony out a bit. He needs to go and chase down full-backs, and that’s a constant requirement. When you have the ball, you push forward quickly. Perhaps Elanga has been used to a slower game at Forest, and then there’s also the fact he’s had to move to the North East. He might have been in a hotel for the first months, he could be taking time to settle. You don’t know how he’s been able to adjust and he might have mentally had to take some time to adjust. Maybe his confidence has been hit a little. He’s not hit the ground running, Murphy has the shirt back and impressed down the right-hand side when he played, which is what Howe wants. Until Elanga can do that for Eddie, he’s going to have to sit it out.”
Elanga’s situation at Newcastle reflects the broader challenges players face when transitioning to a new club and adapting to different tactical demands. At Nottingham Forest, Elanga thrived in a counter-attacking setup that leveraged his pace. However, Newcastle’s high-pressing approach under Howe requires a different skill set, including relentless pressing and quick transitions. This tactical shift, coupled with the personal adjustments of relocating to the North East, may have impacted Elanga’s confidence and performance.
To date, Elanga has made 17 appearances for Newcastle United but has only started four Premier League matches. His last start against Brighton saw him substituted at half-time, and he is yet to score for the club. Despite these challenges, Elanga’s direct play was instrumental in winning a penalty during Newcastle’s 4-0 Champions League victory at Union Saint-Gilloise, showcasing his potential impact when given opportunities. As Elanga continues to adjust, his focus will be on regaining confidence and proving his worth to Eddie Howe, aiming to reclaim his place in the starting lineup.
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