Eddie Howe backs big money summer signing to come good after slow start to life at Newcastle United
Newcastle United's recruitment under Eddie Howe has been almost-perfect in the four years since the 47-year-old took over at the club.
The only real misfire was signing Lloyd Kelly last summer on a free, but even then we managed to flip him to Juventus for £20 million, so we can't complain about that one.
This season, Newcastle forked out £55 million to bring in long-term target Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, but so far the Sweden international has struggled to adapt to his new surroundings.
Eddie Howe had chased Elanga for a while, so he obviously believes that he has what it takes to play in his intense style, but we're yet to see it.
Eddie Howe backs Anthony Elanga to come good
Speaking to the media (via Newcastle World), Howe backed Elanga to come good eventually saying we're just witnessing an adjustment period.
“I think he’s just adjusting to a different style of play. Sometimes that adjustment happens quickly, sometimes it takes a little bit longer with certain players. Anthony is working very, very well. I’m really impressed with his attitude and desire to do well. His focus and professionalism is at the highest quality.
“I really, really back him. I think he’s going to come good and do some amazing things for us. But we’re just taking it slowly with him. While Jacob is playing so well, I don’t see why there’s a big rush. We need to support him, help him and sit back to let him do his stuff.”
Trust the process and all that
Howe and his recruitment team do their homework on potential signings and they will have been more than aware of Elanga's strengths and weaknesses, and certainly wouldn't have pursued him so relentlessly if they didn't have 100% faith in his ability.
We're just going to have to be patient with the 23-year-old while he gets settled.
It would be nice to start seeing some sort of return on the club's investment soon, though. It was Nick Woltemade we were all expecting to take his sweet time getting up to speed, and while he's not fully adapted to our style of play yet, he's at least contributing with goals and assists.
